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Senior Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Youth Pastor

Portland, OR · On-site

Pastor to Families Position Summary The Youth Pastor is responsible for shepherding young people into a genuine and faithful relationship with God. Coming alongside students so they may discover ...

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Youth Pastor

Portland, OR · On-site

Pastor to Families Position Summary The Youth Pastor is responsible for shepherding young people into a genuine and faithful relationship with God. Coming alongside students so they may discover ...

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Ministry Partner

Portland, OR · On-site

The Pastor of Global & Local Outreach and Hospitality; the Pastor of Women and Groups; and the Pastor of Families and Young Adults. Position Summary: Cedar Mill Bible Church is rooted in Christ. We ...

Cedar Mill Bible Church

Ministry Partner

Portland, OR · On-site

The Pastor of Global & Local Outreach and Hospitality; the Pastor of Women and Groups; and the Pastor of Families and Young Adults. Position Summary: Cedar Mill Bible Church is rooted in Christ. We ...

Nike

Senior Principal, Strategic Planning

Beaverton, OR · On-site

Senior Principal, Strategic Planning - NIKE, Inc. Collaborate with C-suite members, Nike leadership, and other members of the strategy team to craft and execute strategies that differentiates Nike in ...

All JobsPastor JobsSenior Pastor JobsSenior Pastor Jobs in Portland, OR

Senior Pastor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$37.1K

$64.3K

$96K

How much do senior pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pastor in Portland, OR is $64,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $77,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Pastor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Portland, OR are:
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Senior Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Pastor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,302 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Senior Pastor - First Christian Church

Christian Career

Forest Grove, OR

Full-time

Re-posted just now

Job description

Senior Pastor - First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Forest Grove is a body of believers, established in 1884, with a continuing ministry since it's founding. We are a non-denominational congregation, biblically grounded and committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture.

We have a body of 10 elders who fulfill various aspects of our worship service, including pulpit supply when needed. We currently hold a regular Sunday School and two weekly adult bible studies with the desire to grow our congregation spiritually. We desire to see the numbers of our congregation grow as well, especially in the younger age groups.

Our current participating membership is about 85 weekly. Our building is a large brick structure including a main sanctuary, chapel, fellowship hall, commercial kitchen, parlor with kitchenette, nursery, counseling office, library and 10 Sunday School rooms. Our building is beautifully maintained and exists in the heart of the town.

Forest Grove is a college town, home to Pacific University, a private college located one block from our church. The town has a population of about 27,500 and is rapidly growing. The beautiful Oregon coast and the Cascade mountain range are both just over an hour away.

We embrace a leadership model rooted in Ephesians 4:11-13, one that emphasizes a shared elder-led structure for spiritual oversight and equips the saints for ministry.

We are prayerfully seeking a Senior Pastor who is spiritually mature, strategically minded, teaches the life application of scripture and is passionate about shepherding God's people into the next season of ministry.

Position Summary: The Senior Pastor is the primary spiritual leader of FCC. This role includes shepherding the congregation, being a visionary leader and a strategic team builder. The Senior Pastor will lead from a posture of humility and spiritual maturity, with prayerfulness and biblical conviction, while working in partnership with church staff, Elders, and the church Board to fulfill the mission of this church, and to glorify God by making disciples who know Christ, grow in Christ and go for Christ..

To Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

- a cover letter including one's personal testimony, sense of calling and ministry philosophy

-a resume with ministry experience, education and references