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Pastoral Positions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St Patricks Parish

Pastoral Associate

Estherville, IA · On-site

Exempt Position Summary The Pastoral Associate is a professional lay ecclesial minister who collaborates with the pastor and parish staff in carrying out the mission of the Catholic Church. The ...

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Ohio Health

Mgr Pastoral Care

Mansfield, OH · On-site

Summary: This position provides management for the provision of spiritual care within the ... This management position supervises and coordinates the work of the Pastoral Care Department ...

OhioHealth

Mgr Pastoral Care

Mansfield, OH · On-site

Summary: This position provides management for the provision of spiritual care within the ... This management position supervises and coordinates the work of the Pastoral Care Department ...

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Pastoral Positions information

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$41K

$68.7K

$117.5K

How much do pastoral positions jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral positions in the United States is $68,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pastoral Positions vs Youth Minister?

AspectPastoral PositionsYouth Minister
Required CredentialsTypically requires theological degree or pastoral certificationOften requires similar theological training, sometimes with additional youth-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentChurch services, community outreach, counselingYouth groups, school visits, youth events
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across churches, religious organizationsPrimarily in churches, religious youth programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding pastoral roles, career pathsFocus on youth engagement, youth ministry roles

Pastoral Positions and Youth Ministers both serve religious communities but differ mainly in their focus areas. Pastoral Positions encompass a broad range of duties including counseling, preaching, and community leadership, often requiring theological credentials. Youth Ministers specifically focus on engaging and guiding young members through youth programs. While overlapping in credentials and environment, their primary audiences and responsibilities distinguish them clearly.

What are some typical challenges faced by those in pastoral positions, and how can they be managed effectively?

Individuals in pastoral positions often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership, managing diverse congregational needs, and preventing burnout due to emotional demands. Effective management includes setting healthy boundaries, seeking mentorship or peer support, and delegating tasks when possible. Regular self-care and ongoing professional development can also help maintain well-being and effectiveness in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pastoral positions, and why are they important?

To thrive in pastoral positions, you typically need a background in theology or divinity, pastoral counseling skills, and formal ordination from a recognized religious body. Familiarity with church management software, biblical research tools, and continuing education certifications are often required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and leadership abilities help pastors connect with congregants and guide their communities. These skills are essential for providing spiritual guidance, fostering community, and managing the diverse responsibilities of church leadership.

What is a pastoral position?

Pastoral positions refer to roles within a church or religious organization that involve spiritual leadership, guidance, and care for a congregation or community. These positions can include titles such as pastor, minister, priest, or shepherd, depending on the denomination and tradition. Individuals in pastoral roles are typically responsible for leading worship services, providing counseling, teaching religious education, and offering support during significant life events like weddings and funerals. Pastoral positions require strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of religious teachings, and a commitment to serving others.
More about Pastoral Positions jobs
What cities are hiring for Pastoral Positions jobs? Cities with the most Pastoral Positions job openings:
What states have the most Pastoral Positions jobs? States with the most job openings for Pastoral Positions jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pastoral Positions jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pastoral Positions jobs are:
Pastoral Positions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastoral Positions job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,665 per year, or $33 per hour.

Pastoral Counselor

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Pastoral Counselor
Position Category
Staff (Non-Exempt)
FLSA
Non-exempt
FTE
5-10 hours per week.
Location
Remote
University Background
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function
Under the supervision of the Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, CA, the position's primary responsibility will be to carry out the mission and vision of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary by providing spiritual care to students. The position performs spiritual assessments, provides spiritual/pastoral support and makes referrals to meet the needs of the student.
Representative Duties
  • Provide spiritual care for students, through spiritual direction or pastoral care for 5 - 10 hours per week
  • Make time to be a regular presence during online worship services and in-person campus events - Life and Learning Together Week (orientation), intensive classes (Fall and January), TEEM Weeks (three times per year), and Commencement
  • Lead at least one Spiritual Care Group, meeting every other week via Zoom, for first year students
  • Communicate with students in virtual platforms throughout the semester to invite spiritual wellness
  • Respond to student crises as needed and directed
  • Be present at student meetings or committee meetings when asked by students, staff, or faculty
  • Be able to lead check-in groups after significant events
  • Meet monthly with the Spiritual Care Team to listen and check-in with one another, share any common threads that are coming up in student life on campus, and consider how the Team senses God's movement on campus
  • Refer students to additional help- from the PLTS administration, therapists (including Cal Lutheran counseling resources), recovery groups, etc. - when needed, and walk with them through that process
  • Be available for consultation and input on spiritual formation practices on campus, including input on spirituality days and regular spiritual rhythms on campus
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge Of
  • Principles and practices of providing pastoral care and spiritual direction, especially online
  • Seminary policies, procedures, mission, and vision
  • Departmental operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents
  • Dynamics of student life and issues in a seminary setting
  • Excellent customer service protocol
  • Principles of group facilitation and coordination
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
  • Microsoft Office software, Google Suite, and Zoom

Ability To
  • Provide spiritual care/direction in an online format.
  • Provide care that is trauma-informed and sensitive to diverse life experiences.
  • Determine appropriate action within defined guidelines.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to effective team work.
  • Integrate therapeutic framework into Christian theology.
  • Provide spiritual assistance and guidance to others.
  • Cope with conflicting perspectives.
  • Interact effectively with individuals of different backgrounds.
  • Serve and care for others.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to: Master's degree in Divinity and six months of experience providing pastoral care in a parish, Christian college, practical ministry, seminary, or other related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified in Spiritual Direction
Experience in providing pastoral care or spiritual direction in higher education
Licenses and other requirements
None
Physical Abilities
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files
Environment
Primarily online with periodic in-person expectations.
Hiring Range
$35-$40
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
Staff005552022
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
09/01/2026
Position End Date
Open Date
08/10/2026
Close Date
08/24/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Application Procedure/Special Instructions
Statement
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.

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