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Senior Pastor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Ministrylist

Senior Pastor Acacia Church

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

We want a pastor who helps navigate an increasingly polarized world through a Biblical lens, a shepherd who can galvanize people around a shared direction. Primary Responsibilities Leading

Union Church

Campus Pastor - DMV

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

Responsible for ensuring that the vision of the Senior Pastor is executed throughout every area of the organization, specifically as it pertains to the Sunday Experiences * Responsible for overall ...

Union Church

Campus Pastor - DMV

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

Responsible for ensuring that the vision of the Senior Pastor is executed throughout every area of the organization, specifically as it pertains to the Sunday Experiences * Responsible for overall ...

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All JobsPastor JobsSenior Pastor JobsSenior Pastor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Senior Pastor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$36.2K

$62.7K

$93.6K

How much do senior pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior pastor in Silver Spring, MD is $62,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $75,500.00 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.

More about Senior Pastor jobs

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Senior Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Pastor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,682 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Senior Pastor Acacia Church

Ministrylist

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Acacia Church desires a shepherd who is present, a teacher who makes it tangible, and a leader who asks, “Where do you want to go?” before saying, “Follow me.” Deep but not academic, vulnerable but not weak, culturally aware but not political: We want a pastor who helps navigate an increasingly polarized world through a Biblical lens, a shepherd who can galvanize people around a shared direction.

Primary Responsibilities Leading
  • Spiritual and Visionary Leadership
    • Nurture the overall spiritual health of Acacia Church in complete alignment with our statement of faith, encouraging and equipping the church body to be in active prayer for the church, one another, and our community.
    • Lead from a place of humility with a servant‑leader mindset, prioritizing relationship‑building with authenticity and intentionality and following through with commitments.
    • Facilitate the advancement of our existing God‑honoring church vision, developing new ideas for reaching and serving our community.
  • Organizational Leadership
    • Ensure that staff and church leadership faithfully carry out the church’s core ministries, emphasizing the equipping of others and the development of new leaders.
    • Provide supervision and pastoral care to all staff and pastors, fostering development, monitoring performance, maintaining open communication, and proactively addressing issues.
  • Accountability and Guidance
    • Receive spiritual care and guidance from the Elder Board and report to the Administrative Board, maintaining accountability and an open line of communication with church leadership.
Teaching and Preaching
  • Serve as the lead teaching pastor, overseeing the general teaching ministry, setting the direction for the scope and sequence of all Biblically based teaching. Help strengthen and protect theological integrity and doctrinal purity.
  • Teach with Biblical breadth of knowledge and depth, utilizing real‑life applications and personal anecdotes, expressing vulnerability, authenticity, and humor.
  • Share the pulpit with other leaders who are gifted to teach, mentoring and actively working together as a “teaching team.”
  • Maintain a boldness on Scripture and a silence on partisan politics.
Shepherding
  • Nurture an environment where all feel they belong in our culturally, politically, and professionally diverse congregation.
  • Provide Christ‑filled and Christ‑centered pastoral counseling and support for individuals, couples, and families with trustworthiness and confidentiality.
  • Show a willingness to learn about us before leading us, building trust and gaining an understanding of congregation dynamics before proposing directional changes.
  • Exhibit a sense of stability, signaling long‑term commitment in actions, words, and ministry presence, desiring to become an active member of the church family, committed to sharing life with others.
Qualifications and Requirements
  • Educational Foundation: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and Master of Divinity or Theology preferred. Strong Biblical training and certificate of ordination.
  • Proven Experience: At least 7‑10 years’ (full‑time) pastoral ministry experience.
  • Communication: Strong and diverse communication skills to enable effective communication through teaching and preaching, small groups, and individual interaction.
  • Character
    • Evidence of a committed life to the Lord Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture.
    • A firm commitment to communicating the trustworthy message of the inspired Word of God.
    • Displaying a life that is aligned with requirements set forth in Titus 1:6‑9, I Timothy 3:1‑7, and I Peter 5:2‑3.
    • Exhibiting Christ‑like characteristics such as humility, servant leadership, compassion, shepherding, and integrity inside and outside the church.
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