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Senior Pastor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Worship Pastor also provides central support to Campus Worship Pastors as they lead the local campus worship experience. Finally, the Lead Worship Pastor serves as the Worship Pastor to the ...

Lead Worship Pastor

San Dimas, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Lead Worship Pastor also provides central support to Campus Worship Pastors as they lead the local campus worship experience. Finally, the Lead Worship Pastor serves as the Worship Pastor to the ...

The Creative Arts Pastor will empower IHC's music and production teams to create immersive worship experiences that lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus. You'll oversee staff and ...

The Creative Arts Pastor will empower IHC's music and production teams to create immersive worship experiences that lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus. You'll oversee staff and ...

Students Pastor About Friends Church Friends Church is a growing, multi-generational community located in North Orange County, California. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ ...

Jr High Pastor

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$70K - $74K/yr

Students Pastor About Friends Church Friends Church is a growing, multi-generational community located in North Orange County, California. We are committed to becoming a community of authentic Christ ...

Lead Pastor

Norco, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

Executive Pastor About Friends Church Friends Church is a growing, multigenerational community located in the Inland Empire. Our church building is located in Norco, Ca, however many of our church ...

Executive Pastor About Friends Church Friends Church is a growing, multigenerational community located in the Inland Empire. Our church building is located in Norco, Ca, however many of our church ...

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Senior Pastor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$36.5K

$63.3K

$94.4K

How much do senior pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pastor in Riverside, CA is $63,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $76,200.00 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Senior Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Pastor jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Pastor jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Pastor job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Pastor job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,257 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

$32 - $35/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Choir Director – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & Preschool, Irvine 

  • 4800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92604 
  • Part-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position 
  • $32–35/hour, up to 8 hours per week 


Job Description 

The Choir Director provides weekly direction to the Good Shepherd Servant Leader (volunteer) Chancel Choir in support of our Traditional Worship Service. This role is responsible for recruiting and developing choir members, selecting music that aligns with a worship setting and the Pastor's message, and creating a worshipful, well-organized choral program. The Choir Director works closely with the Senior Pastor and Worship Planning Team to deliver a meaningful and transformative Traditional Worship experience. 


Essential Responsibilities 

  • Direct the Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals and Traditional Worship Services 
  • Coordinate hymn and anthem selection with the Senior Pastor in alignment with the sermon focus 
  • Recruit and assimilate new Chancel Choir members 
  • Maintain and organize the music library and database 
  • Collaborate with the Worship Planning Team on Christmas and Holy Week services 
  • Coordinate with the Tech Team to support a cohesive and transformative worship experience 


Worship & Music Collaboration 

  • Coordinate hymn selection with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist 
  • Develop music direction in alignment with Lutheran traditions and liturgy 
  • Select anthems that align with the sermon focus or create a worshipful environment for the congregation 
  • Support the design of Christmas and Holy Week Traditional Worship Services alongside the Worship Planning Team 


Servant Leader Recruitment & Care 

  • Actively recruit new Chancel Choir members and conduct auditions 
  • Guide new recruits through an assimilation period to set them up for success 
  • Communicate regularly with and schedule Chancel Choir members as needed 
  • Coordinate two social events per year to encourage community among the choir 


Worship Development 

  • Coach and guide Chancel Choir members during weekly rehearsals 
  • Identify and develop vocalists as needs arise 
  • Receive and apply coaching from the Worship Planning Team and Leadership Team 


Worship Administration 

  • Ensure each Chancel Choir member has printed music as needed 
  • Maintain and organize the music library and database 
  • Prepare rehearsal space with seating arrangements, music, and teaching aids 
  • Arrange a substitute director as necessary 
  • Submit annual budget requirements for the music program 
  • Collaborate with the Tech Team to create a cohesive worship experience 


Scheduling & Availability 

  • Provide leadership weekly for Sunday Morning Worship and Thursday Evening Choir Rehearsals 
  • Attend All Staff Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month 
  • Attend Thursday afternoon Worship Alignment Meetings 
  • Coordinate with the Worship Planning Team regarding planned absences 
  • Collaborate to ensure coverage is arranged when unavailable 
  • Support with Holy Week, Christmas Eve Services, and the occasional Saturday Memorial Service 


Organizational Structure 

  • Works closely with the Senior Pastor and Organist/Piano Accompanist 
  • Collaborates with the Senior Pastor and Creative Director as needed 
  • Supports the broader worship ministry of Good Shepherd 


Qualifications 

  • Minimum 2 years of choral experience, ideally in a church setting of 200+ congregants 
  • Experienced in recruiting and leading vocalists 
  • Organized and administratively inclined 
  • Confident communicator and collaborative team player 
  • Proactive, teachable, and servant-hearted leader 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with worship leaders and Servant Leaders 
  • Dependable, punctual, and well-prepared 
  • Heart for worship and alignment with the mission of the church 


Additional Information 

All Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Staff: 

  • Love Jesus and call themselves Christians. 
  • Display Christ-like attitudes and behavior through personal conduct and lifestyle. 
  • Are Coachable and open to feedback and growth. 
  • Do Whatever It Takes to serve the mission of the church and support the team. 
  • Are actively Growing in Christ through their personal faith and participation in the life of the church. 
  • Create a Warm and Inviting environment for everyone who walks through our doors. 
  • Show accountability in their role and on the team. 
  • Exhibit a passion to build God’s Kingdom.