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Senior Pastor Jobs in Howell, MI (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Pastor information

See Howell, MI salary details

$32.8K

$56.7K

$84.7K

How much do senior pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pastor in Howell, MI is $56,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,300.00 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.

More about Senior Pastor jobs

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For Senior Pastor jobs in Howell, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Howell, MI are hiring for Senior Pastor jobs?

Cities near Howell, MI with the most Senior Pastor job openings:

Senior Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Pastor job openings in Howell, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $56,740 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Director of Worship

Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Brighton, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

St. Mary Magdalen in Brighton is seeming a Director of Worship reporting to the Pastor.
General Summary: As a 30-40 hour per week job, the Director of Worship aids the Pastor;
  • In Celebrating liturgies that are joyfully reverent
  • By providing appropriate music at carious events
  • In guiding the prayer and devotional life of the parish.

Key Responsibility Areas:
Acts 2:42 states: "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers." The Director of Worship ensures that "the breaking of the bread" and "the prayers" are taken seriously and are integral aspects of parish life at St. Mary Magdalen.
The Breaking of the Bread
  • Music Ministry - Collaborate with the Pastor to form and lead a team of musicians/choir that will enhance and elevate all worship events and experiences at the parish.
  • Liturgical Ministry - Collaborate with the Pastor and other key stakeholders in liturgical planning and celebration in order to deliver a joyfully reverent and beautiful liturgical experience.

The Prayers
  • Pastoral Ministry - Collaborate with the Pastor to form and lead a team of parishioners in order to build up the prayer and devotional life of the parish.

Primary Duties
In each of those Key Responsibility Areas, The Director of Worship is responsible for a number of Primary Duties, specifically:
Music Ministry
  • Direct recruitment, training, scheduling and lead the musicians/choir for Sunday Masses, retreats, praise and worship nights, youth events, etc.
  • Select appropriate songs and form playlists for Masses and other events
  • Collaborate with the Pastor regarding musical styles and liturgical seasons
  • Form and lead a children's choir
  • Be available for funerals and weddings as they are scheduled or find coverage
  • Facilitate an atmosphere of worship in all liturgical settings

Liturgical Ministry
  • Participate in liturgical planning meetings
  • Collaborate effectively with the liturgical coordinator
  • Research and advise the pastor on the rubrics for liturgical celebrations according to the Roman Missal, Rite Books, and the GIRM
  • Adhere to all liturgical norms as promulgated by the Diocese of Lansing, the USCCB, the Code of Canon Law, and the Vatican
  • Develop a strong working relationship with the Diocesan Office of Worship

Pastoral Ministry
  • Recruit, train, schedule, and lead the Encounter Team, parishioners who assist with:
    • Prayer Ministry
    • Particular devotions (First Friday, Divine Mercy, etc.)
    • Days of Adoration
    • Praise and Worship nights
    • Speaker series, classes, or workshops
    • Parish Mission
  • Hold retreats for parishioners
  • Direct and expand Eucharistic Exposition/Benediction
  • Pray with and for the parish
  • Collaborate with the Director of Evangelization and Catechesis

Other duties may be assigned to the Director of Worship at the discretion of the Pastor.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship must:
  • Embrace the mission, vision, and values of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
  • Register as a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
  • Work well within groups and teams as both a leader and participant
  • Be familiar with a wide range of musical styles
  • Be familiar with a wide range of Catholic spiritualities and devotions
  • Be familiar with liturgical documents and able to advise the Pastor accordingly
  • Be a disciple of Jesus Christ

The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship is:
  • Organized, dependable, and punctual
  • Able to work with and troubleshoot technology
  • Energetic and passionate
  • Strategic and growth-oriented

The ideal candidate for the Director of Worship possesses:
  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent certification, preferably in Liturgy, Music, Pastoral Ministry, or a related field
  • Expertise in music, spirituality, and liturgy
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • At least two years experience in leading worship
  • Proficiency in multiple instruments

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.

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