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United Methodist Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Nashville, TN · On-site

$89K/yr

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit ... Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty. * Ability to ...

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit ... Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty. * Ability to ...

United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit ... Ability to apply relevant theories and methodologies to their ministry specialty. * Ability to ...

Day (United States of America) Salary Range: $78,773.63 - $122,099.12 The ACPE Certified Educator ... Supervision/Training Supervise students, chaplain residents, chaplain interns, and educator ...

Preconstruction Manager

Madison, AL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, systems, and materials. * Proficient in reading ... Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and Chaplain services for support when you need it. Lee Company is ...

Preconstruction Manager

Madison, AL

$102K - $104K/yr

Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, systems, and materials. * Proficient in reading ... Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and Chaplain services for support when you need it. Lee Company is ...

Preconstruction Manager

Madison, AL

$102K - $104K/yr

Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, systems, and materials. * Proficient in reading ... Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and Chaplain services for support when you need it. Lee Company is ...

Preconstruction Manager

Huntsville, AL

$112K - $114K/yr

Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, systems, and materials. * Proficient in reading ... Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and Chaplain services for support when you need it. Lee Company is ...

Preconstruction Manager

Huntsville, AL

$112K - $114K/yr

Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, systems, and materials. * Proficient in reading ... Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and Chaplain services for support when you need it. Lee Company is ...

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United Methodist Chaplain information

See salary details

$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do united methodist chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for united methodist chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a United Methodist Chaplain typically support individuals in diverse settings such as hospitals, military bases, or colleges?

United Methodist Chaplains offer spiritual care and emotional support to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions in settings like hospitals, military bases, and academic institutions. Their daily responsibilities often include leading worship services, providing counseling, and responding to crises or emergencies. Chaplains collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, such as medical staff or counselors, to ensure holistic care. Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as chaplains must adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each environment while upholding Methodist values.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain positions are often in healthcare, military, or corporate settings, where specialized skills and security clearances can lead to higher salaries. Military chaplains, especially in senior or specialized roles, tend to earn the highest salaries among chaplain jobs, with additional benefits such as housing allowances and retirement plans.

What is the difference between United Methodist Chaplain vs Protestant Chaplain?

AspectUnited Methodist ChaplainProtestant Chaplain
CredentialsRequires ordination in the United Methodist Church, theological degree, and chaplaincy certificationRequires ordination or endorsement from a Protestant denomination, theological degree, and chaplaincy certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, military, prisons, military bases, and faith-based organizations within the Methodist traditionHospitals, military, prisons, and community settings across various Protestant denominations
Employer & Industry UsageReligious organizations, healthcare institutions, military, and correctional facilitiesHealthcare, military, correctional facilities, and community services across Protestant groups

Both roles serve to provide spiritual support within similar environments, but a United Methodist Chaplain specifically adheres to Methodist doctrine and is endorsed by the United Methodist Church, whereas a Protestant Chaplain may serve a broader range of Protestant denominations with different doctrinal backgrounds.

What are United Methodist Chaplains?

United Methodist Chaplains are ordained clergy or certified lay ministers who provide spiritual care, counseling, and religious services outside the traditional church setting. They serve in various environments such as hospitals, the military, prisons, universities, and other institutions. Their role is to offer emotional and spiritual support to people of all faiths or no faith, guided by the principles of the United Methodist Church. Chaplains help individuals navigate difficult life situations, conduct worship services, and often serve as ethical consultants within their institutions.

Can I be a chaplain without being ordained?

United Methodist Chaplains typically are required to be ordained or commissioned by the church, as ordination demonstrates theological training and spiritual authority. However, some chaplaincy roles may accept non-ordained individuals with relevant certifications, experience, and endorsement from a faith community, depending on the setting and employer requirements.

Where are chaplains most needed?

Chaplains are most needed in hospitals, military settings, prisons, and disaster response areas where spiritual support is essential. They often work in environments requiring strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and relevant certifications or training. These roles typically demand availability for irregular hours and the ability to provide emotional and spiritual care in high-stress situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a United Methodist Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a United Methodist Chaplain, you need a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, ordination or endorsement from the United Methodist Church, and strong theological knowledge. Familiarity with pastoral care frameworks, spiritual assessment tools, and electronic documentation systems is often required. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills for providing effective spiritual support in diverse settings. These skills and qualities are essential for addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals while upholding professional and denominational standards.

What qualifications do I need to be a chaplain?

To become a United Methodist chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree followed by a Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree. Ordination or endorsement by a religious body is usually required, along with relevant pastoral experience and strong interpersonal skills. Certification or licensing requirements may vary by institution or setting, such as hospitals or military facilities.
Infographic showing various United Methodist Chaplain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Associate Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life

Associate Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life

McMurry University

Abilene, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Major/Essential Duties of the Job:
1. Campus Ministry

  • Coordinate weekly Chapel Services for the McMurry Community with support from the University Chaplain, including preaching, celebrating communion, and fostering student leadership in all aspects of worship
  • Coordinate on-campus programming for Religious & Spiritual Life
  • Develop and coordinate additional programming for spiritual formation and mission/service opportunities as needed
  • Promote interfaith understanding & cooperation on campus

2. Student Leadership Development

  • Coordinate the RSL Student Leadership Team, facilitating weekly team gatherings with opportunities for leadership development, spiritual formation, and event planning
  • Assist Student Leadership Team in coordinating programmatic events such as Cookouts, Movie Nights, Progressive Dinner, and other fun, fellowship, and service opportunities throughout the year
  • Supervise and direct RSL Student Worker, proactively delegating responsibilities and projects as needed

3. Pastoral Care & Crisis Ministries

  • Oversee the Care Ministries of Religious & Spiritual Life on campus, including the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Pantry, Clothing Closet, Emergency Aid Fund, and other ministries as needs may arise
  • Lead efforts to build pastoral relationships with students, faculty, and staff at the McMurry Nursing School campus
  • Provide pastoral care as needed for all students, faculty, & staff
  • Serve as the designated Clergy Confidential Resource for students needing support regarding Title IX incidents

4. Church Relations

  • Under the direction of the University Chaplain, serve as a liaison to the United Methodist Church in order to strengthen the relationship between McMurry University and the UMC
  • As available and requested, visit local Abilene Congregations and United Methodist Congregations across Texas and New Mexico to guest preach, teach Sunday School, or give other programs in order to raise student scholarship support, recruit prospective students, connect with alumni, and/or highlight the ministry of McMurry Religious & Spiritual Life
  • Coordinate staff and/or student visits to United Methodist Youth Camps, MidWinter Retreats, and other opportunities to recruit prospective United Methodist students

5. Administration

  • Monitor departmental budgets and designated fund accounts
  • Perform annual departmental assessment and quarterly reviews according to institutional assessment guidelines
  • Prepare quarterly departmental report for the University Board of Trustees
  • Supervise and direct the work of the Chapel Band Leader
  • Direct the work of the RSL Administrative Assistant as it relates to organizing the administrative functioning of Religious & Spiritual Life, including the timely submission of expense reports and purchasing needs, coordinating and monitoring RSLs social media presence, producing relevant marketing & communications materials, and preparing logistical support for all RSL trips and programming

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree or commensurate years of experience in full-time ministry
Minimum of 2-Years experience in College Ministry, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, or other closely related field
Commitment to the Wesleyan theological tradition and the United Methodist Church


Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate theological degree (MDiv, MTS, or MACP/MACM) from an accredited seminary
Ordination or Local Pastor Licensure in the United Methodist Church (or in process for ordination/licensure)
3-5 Years experience in full time ministry setting


EEO Statement

McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.