1

Senior Pastor Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Pastor

Renton, WA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Associate Pastor - English Ministry (Renton, WA) We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church seeking an Associate Pastor to shepherd our English-speaking congregation. Role * Preach God's Word ...

Youth Director/Pastor

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

The Youth Director/Pastor role at Peninsula Bible Fellowship in Bremerton, Washington, offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to lead and nurture the spiritual growth of youth in Kitsap ...

One Hope Church - Gig Harbor is looking for a Lead Pastor to lead with a spiritual compass, guiding the congregation through preaching, teaching, and sacraments, while overseeing worship, music ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Pastor information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$39.1K

$67.7K

$101.1K

How much do senior pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pastor in Federal Way, WA is $67,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior pastor do?

A senior pastor serves as the leader of a church or parish. It is the senior pastor’s responsibility to engage in community events, preach, teach, and manage the church organization. The senior pastor may be the head of a large congregation and multiple church employees (such as secretaries, musical leaders, or junior pastors), the only paid member of a church, or a volunteer nominated for the role. Depending on the denomination of the church, a senior pastor may stay in one place all their life or move from church to church as needed.

What is a senior pastor?

Senior Pastors are the primary leaders of a church, responsible for overseeing all aspects of ministry, preaching, and providing spiritual guidance to the congregation. They often lead worship services, manage church staff, and set the vision and direction for the church. Senior Pastors also provide counseling, officiate at ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and engage with the broader community on behalf of their church. Their role is both spiritual and administrative, requiring strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior pastor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Pastor, you need a deep theological knowledge, strong leadership abilities, and typically a seminary degree or equivalent pastoral training. Familiarity with church management software, online communication platforms, and sermon preparation tools is common. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These qualities are crucial for providing spiritual guidance, managing church operations, and fostering a supportive, engaged congregation.

What are some common challenges senior pastors face in leading a congregation and how can they be addressed?

Senior Pastors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership, managing diverse congregational expectations, and fostering effective communication among staff and church members. Building a strong support team, delegating responsibilities, and prioritizing regular self-care can help address these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training in leadership, conflict resolution, and team collaboration is beneficial for maintaining a healthy church environment.

What is the difference between Senior Pastor vs Associate Pastor?

AspectSenior Pastor

Required CredentialsTypically a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent, theological training, and ordination

Work EnvironmentLead church services, provide spiritual guidance, oversee church operations

Employer & Industry UsageUsed in churches of all sizes, often as the head spiritual leader

The Senior Pastor is the primary spiritual leader of a church, responsible for preaching, vision setting, and overall church management. An Associate Pastor typically supports the Senior Pastor, focusing on specific ministries or congregational needs. While both roles require theological training and ordination, the Senior Pastor holds the top leadership position, whereas the Associate Pastor assists in implementing the church's mission.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs in Federal Way, WA?

The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Federal Way, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Pastor jobs in Federal Way, WA?

For Senior Pastor jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Senior Pastor jobs?

Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Senior Pastor job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Pastor job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,712 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Port Orchard, Washington

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Port Orchard, WA • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Pastor – First Baptist Port Orchard WA.

Denomination: Southern Baptist Convention

Church Size: Weekly Attendance 70

Job Type: Full-Time

Meet First Baptist Church of Port Orchard

Established in 1943 as one of the first Southern Baptist churches in the Northwest, this congregation desires to honor the Lord and share the good news of Jesus Christ with the Port Orchard community and the greater Pacific Northwest. The older than average aged congregation occupies a well‑maintained and functional building built in 1961. The worship service features a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship music. The church desire is to nurture spiritual growth and service through consistent emphasis on prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. All are welcome to join in glorifying God and growing in faith together.

About the Senior Pastor

First Baptist Port Orchard WA, is seeking an ordained SBC pastor after the retirement the previous pastor and his faithful 11 years of ministry. Pastor is to provide spiritual guidance, nurture the congregation, and work with the local SBC Association and the Northwest Baptist Convention to share the gospel locally and globally. The pastor will guide staff, church members and seekers in their Christian journeys, lead ministry programing, staff meetings, and oversee quarterly Church Council meetings.

Senior Pastor’s Responsibilities
  • LEAD: Church members in proclaiming the Gospel and providing care for others in the church and in the community.
  • PREACHING: Provide Sunday Sermon series with the research necessary. This includes conducting the ordinances – Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
  • TEACHING: Prepare, plan, and provide for Bible Study, Sunday School, VBS, New Members, etc., as appropriate.
  • WORSHIP: Plan and oversee all aspects of Sunday Morning Worship and special services such as Easter, Christmas Eve, etc.
  • LEADERSHIP: Oversee all staff, serves as chairman of the Church Council, works closely with the Deacons in their caring for the Church Fellowship.
  • COUNSELING: Provide time to meet with those when needed. This may include members, non-members, and seekers.
  • MEETING: Attends the local SBC association and the Northwest Baptist State conventions, staff and team meetings on a regular basis as deemed appropriate. Other meetings may include various Committee meetings.
  • SPIRITUAL LEADER: Above all, see that our overall church program has spiritual maturity and direction toward helping others to grow in Christ, continuing seeking to make his ministry one of outreach as well as Spiritual growth.
What You Bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Senior Pastor:

Education and Experience
  • Master of Divinity or similar studies;
  • Ordained Southern Baptist minister or is requesting SBC Ordination
  • Minimum of 2 years of pastoral experience with additional years of ministry in lieu of Master of Divinity.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong understanding of Scripture and affirmation of the Baptist Faith and Message (2000)
  • Effective preaching, teaching, and pastoral care skills.
  • Leadership and organizational abilities to guide staff, teams, and programs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to nurture the congregation and engage the broader community.
Personal Characteristics and Qualifications
  • Ordained pastor with a passion for sharing God’s Word.
  • Demonstrates integrity, compassion, and humility in leadership.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships within the church and community.
  • Committed to spiritual growth and guiding others in their Christian journey.
What it’s Like to Live in Port Orchard WA

Port Orchard offers a ministry environment well‑suited for a Southern Baptist pastor who values relational community, steady growth, and a mission‑field mindset. The city combines small‑town warmth with Puget Sound beauty—waterfront parks, a walkable downtown, and ferry access that keeps Seattle and Bremerton close while preserving a slower, more personal pace of life. Housing is more affordable than much of the Seattle metro, neighborhoods range from wooded family areas to water‑view communities, and the population includes a mix of military families, long‑time locals, and new residents moving in from across the region. Churches tend to be smaller, highly relational, and ripe for shepherding, evangelism, and revitalization work. For a pastor seeking a place where presence matters, where discipleship grows through genuine relationships, and where the gospel can take root in a scenic, tight‑knit, and steadily growing community, Port Orchard offers a compelling setting.

#J-18808-Ljbffr