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Teen Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... teen (4th-5th grade) ministries. This positionis responsible forassistingwith weekly youth gatherings. In close partnership with the Youth & Family Pastor andYouthProgram Coordinator, this role ...

... teen (4th-5th grade) ministries. This positionis responsible forassistingwith weekly youth gatherings. In close partnership with the Youth & Family Pastor andYouthProgram Coordinator, this role ...

... teen (4th-5th grade) ministries. This positionis responsible forassistingwith weekly youth gatherings. In close partnership with the Youth & Family Pastor andYouthProgram Coordinator, this role ...

The Director assists the Pastor with overall efforts to ensure parishioners encounter Christ ... Develops and coordinates children and teen choirs. * Ensures appropriate copyright permission and ...

The Director assists the Pastor with overall efforts to ensure parishioners encounter Christ ... Develops and coordinates children and teen choirs. * Ensures appropriate copyright permission and ...

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Teen Pastor information

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$28K

$50.8K

$69.5K

How much do teen pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for teen pastor in the United States is $50,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Teen Pastor?

A Teen Pastor is a clergy member or church leader who specializes in guiding, mentoring, and supporting teenagers in their spiritual growth and life challenges. They typically organize youth group activities, teach Bible studies, provide counseling, and create programs that engage teens in faith-based learning and community service. Teen Pastors play a vital role in helping young people navigate adolescence with a strong moral and spiritual foundation, often collaborating with parents and other church leaders. Their goal is to foster a safe, welcoming environment where teens can explore their faith and build lasting relationships.

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

To thrive as a Teen Pastor, you need a strong background in theology, youth ministry, and counseling, typically supported by a degree in divinity, theology, or youth ministry. Familiarity with curriculum development tools, church management software, and ongoing ministry training or certifications is often beneficial. Outstanding communication, empathy, leadership, and the ability to build trust with teenagers are essential soft skills. These qualities enable a Teen Pastor to connect with youth, guide their spiritual growth, and foster a supportive and engaging church environment.

What are some common challenges Teen Pastors face when engaging with youth, and how can they overcome them?

Teen Pastors often encounter challenges such as bridging generational gaps, addressing diverse backgrounds, and maintaining youth engagement in faith-based activities. Building genuine relationships, staying current with youth culture, and creating interactive, relevant programs are key strategies to overcome these obstacles. Collaboration with parents, volunteers, and other church leaders also enhances support and effectiveness in ministering to teens.

What is the difference between Teen Pastor vs Youth Minister?

AspectTeen PastorYouth Minister
CredentialsOften requires religious education, theology degree, or ministry trainingSimilar credentials, including religious studies or ministry training
Work EnvironmentChurch settings, youth groups, religious eventsChurch environments, community outreach, youth programs
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesReligious institutions, churches, faith-based organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Teen Pastors and Youth Ministers work within religious settings, focusing on youth engagement. While their roles often overlap, Teen Pastors typically have a more pastoral and spiritual leadership focus, whereas Youth Ministers may have broader community outreach responsibilities. Understanding these differences can help in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Infographic showing various Teen Pastor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,840 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Youth Minister - Church of St. Mary - Lake Forest - Vic. I

Archdiocese of Chicago

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Archdiocese of Chicago rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 18 rated religious organizations


Job description

Visit Parish Website
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake County, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
The Church of St. Mary (COSM) is seeking a full-time, dynamic, inviting, and enthusiastic youth minister to join the pastoral staff that will report directly to the pastor. The Church of St. Mary is a large and active parish that serves approximately 2400 families. The parish supports a PreK-8th grade school and a Religious Education program.
The youth minister will focus on relational ministry with high school youth and lead them closer to Christ through weekly bible studies, weekly gatherings, retreats, and summer mission trips. Preferred candidate will be responsible for recruiting and training adult volunteers, administrative tasks related to the youth ministry program, and collaborating with the School of St. Mary and Religious Education program.
Responsibilities:
• Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive plan/vision for ministry to Catholic youth.
• Lead weekly bible studies and high school youth ministry meetings.
• Recruit and train adult volunteers to help form high school youth in the Catholic faith.
• Provide monthly ongoing formation opportunities, supervision, and evaluation of adult volunteers working with youth formation.
• Engage teens in prayer, community building, faith formation, and strengthening their Catholic identity.
• Share and pass on the rich traditions of the Catholic faith and help teens foster a deeper relationship with Jesus, Mary, and the saints through prayer and the sacraments.
• Coordinate two Kairos retreats a year for high school juniors and seniors; develop ongoing student leadership for youth retreats that form Christian disciples.
• Plan, coordinate, budget, and oversee projects such as retreats, summer trips, local volunteer opportunities, local and national youth conferences, fundraisers, outings, and other events.
• Offer regular weekly office hours to be available for listening and pastoral counseling to teens.
• Provide appropriate counseling resources and programs for crisis prevention and intervention for youth
• Assist with the annual COSM Confirmation retreat.
• Attend and participates in Parish Staff meetings and Parish Council meetings as appropriate
• Attend and participates in meetings, as appropriate, related to the Deanery, Vicariate, and Archdiocese.
• Maintain communication and collaboration with other parishes, high school and college campus ministers, Archdiocesan Vocations' office, and Archdiocesan Parish Vitality and Mission.
• Collaborate with the Director of Religious Education, catechists, and parish schoolteachers to ensure continuity of formation with middle school students into high school youth ministry.
• Be aware of and in communication with community agencies and resources that interface the youth.
• Maintain and update necessary budget and registration for ministry activities.
• Ensure all adult volunteers are following the Archdiocese of Chicago's Safe Environment protocols.
• Report annual statistics of COSM youth ministry as requested for the COSM annual report.
Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree required; theological or ministerial focus in education preferred.
• Passionate about the Catholic faith and excited to share it with students; leads by example.
• Available in the evenings and on Sundays.
• Experience in youth and/or campus ministry.
• Understands and supports the Catholic Church's teachings, missions, and values.
• Energetic; able to lead both large groups (60+ students) and is able to relate to students one-on-one or in small groups (5-15 students).
• Clear communication with teens, parents, Associate Pastor, Pastor, adult volunteers, and Parish Staff.
• Completion of the Archdiocese of Chicago training for Protecting God's Children.
• Completion of the State of Illinois Mandated Reporter Training.
• Working towards the Archdiocese of Chicago Catechist Certification.
• Competent in sharing and teaching sound theology as it relates to the mission of the Catholic Church.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Team player with strong presentation skills, decision-making ability, and ability to collaborate.
• Strong technical and creative skills for social media and digital marketing/communication to youth.
• Report directly to the COSM Pastor. Work closely and collaborate with the COSM Associate Pastor.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has an annualized salary range of $50,000-$65,000 An employee's pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
Please send cover letters and resumes to: tmunz@churchofstmary.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Archdiocese of Chicago

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The Archdiocese of Chicago is not a company per se, but a large and influential Roman Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction in United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it was established in 1843 and primarily serves to guide over 2.2 million Catholics in its territory in spiritual and religious matters. Its main function includes pastoral care through parishes and ministries, education via the wide network of Catholic schools, and the promotion of various social service programs. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s mission is to share Christ's love with the community through worship, evangelization, and service.

Industry

Religious organizations

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1843