PastorWork.com

All Ministry JobsKentucky

Ministry Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open pastor, worship leader, youth minister, and church staff positions in Kentucky.

4

Open Positions

0

Added This Week

3

Churches Hiring

Last updated May 31, 2026

Ministry Salaries & Market Data in Kentucky

Ministry opportunities abound in the Bluegrass State, where approximately 8,100 churches across Southern Baptist, Methodist, and Non-Denominational traditions create a stable job market for pastoral candidates. The state's affordable cost of living, with an index of 88.6 compared to the national average of 100, means your ministry salary will stretch further, especially with median home prices around $195,000 making homeownership achievable for most church leaders. Senior pastor positions typically offer competitive compensation ranging from $44,000 to $82,000, allowing ministers to focus on their calling while maintaining financial stability. With hiring trends remaining stable throughout the state, Kentucky presents an excellent opportunity for pastors seeking both professional growth and an affordable place to serve their communities.

Cost of Living

88.6

100 = national avg

Median Home Price

$195,000

2026 estimate

Hiring Trend

Stable

8,100 churches

PositionSalary Range in Kentucky
Senior Pastor$44k - $82k
Youth Pastor$31k - $52k
Worship Leader$29k - $50k
Children's Director$27k - $46k

Top Denominations in Kentucky

Southern Baptist, Methodist, Non-Denominational

Open Positions in Kentucky

⭐ Featured

Student Pastor

Severns Valley Baptist Church

Elizabethtown, KY

Youth MinistryFull-TimeOn-SiteBaptist

$60,000 - $75,000

We exist to love God, love people, and make disciples by helping people fulfill their role in God's story. Students are not the church of tomorrow — they are the church right now. The Student Pastor at Severns Valley walks with sixth through twelfth graders and their families through one of the most formative seasons of life, helping them step into who God has called them to be. This is not a role for someone learning on the job. We're looking for a seasoned shepherd — someone with proven experience leading student ministry well, anchored in the gospel, and equipped to partner deeply with parents and volunteer leaders to multiply the impact we're already seeing in students' lives. The Opportunity Our current student ministry is healthy and thriving. We're serving approximately 150 students in 6th–12th grade with over 20 adult volunteers and a Student Ministry Lead Team of 10 students. We're experiencing consistent growth and seeing real spiritual movement in our young people. Here's where we are: Our student ministry is strong. Kids are being reached. Discipleship is happening. Here's where we need to go: To reach more students and families, we need a pastor who can lead the whole ecosystem — not just students, but the parents who are their primary disciple-makers and the volunteers who will extend our reach. The next phase of our growth depends on scaling through intentional parent and volunteer leadership. We're looking for someone who has already learned how to lead student ministry successfully and is ready to bring that expertise to bear on the harder work of building a sustainable, scalable, parent-and-volunteer-centered ministry. The Role at a Glance Position: Full-time Reports to: Lead Pastor Oversees: Student Ministry Lead Team, adult volunteer leaders, student ministry interns Serves: Approximately 150 students in 6th–12th grade and their families Meeting Times: Sunday morning + Wednesday evening programming What You'll Do Our values are pursue, equip, and connect. You'll see those three running through everything we ask of this role. Pursue — Shepherd students and their families toward Jesus - Lead by example in evangelism, discipleship, and personal walk with the Lord - Build relationships with students through consistent presence and pastoral care - Walk alongside parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children's lives — equipping them, not replacing them - Develop ministry pathways that include students with special needs and create belonging for every student who walks through our doors Equip — Build and develop a thriving volunteer ecosystem - Identify, recruit, and develop a strong team of adult volunteer leaders who share the vision - Train and empower a Student Ministry Lead Team of student leaders in their own spiritual growth and leadership - Coach student ministry interns in their development as ministry leaders - Build a culture where volunteers feel equipped, valued, and called to something bigger than programming - Select or develop curriculum for Sunday morning, midweek, and topical studies Connect — Build bridges between students, families, and our church family - Lead Sunday morning student ministry gatherings and weekly programming - Plan and execute outreach events, family programming, and school/campus presence - Lead summer camp, VBS, and student missions — here, near, and far - Partner with the SV staff team to maintain a consistent discipleship pathway from birth through senior adulthood Who We're Looking For Experience You've already learned how to do this well. We're looking for a pastor with: - At least 3–4 years of proven, hands-on experience leading 6th–12th grade student ministry — ideally showing growth in both students reached and volunteer leaders developed - Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and empower volunteer leaders (this is non-negotiable) - Strong track record of partnering with parents as partners in discipleship, not obstacles - Proven gifts in teaching, public communication, and one-on-one pastoral care - A seminary degree in a relevant ministry field, or comparable preparation and demonstrated excellence in ministry We're not looking for someone figuring out if ministry is their calling. We're looking for someone who's already answered that call and has the scars and stories to prove it. Your path to this calling might have been direct, or it might have been winding — but you know who you are and what you're called to do. Character - A committed follower of Jesus whose life and home reflect the gospel - Anchored in Scripture and evangelical, Reformed theology within the SBC tradition - A servant leader who builds people up and works well on a team - Someone who loves students and loves the adults who shepherd them - Willing and called to become a member of Severns Valley Baptist Church Skills - Organized and self-motivated — able to plan, execute, and steward a calendar and team - Comfortable with Google Workspace, Planning Center, and other digital tools - Strong communicator — with students, parents, volunteers, and staff alike - Emotionally intelligent and relationally skilled; able to read a room and adapt About Severns Valley Severns Valley Baptist Church is a multi-generational church family in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. We gather Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at 1100 Ring Road. Our purpose is simple: Love God. Love people. Make disciples. We pursue that purpose through three environments: - Ministries — where we serve - Groups — where we grow - Missions — where we go (here, near, and far) - There is always room for one more. We're a church family marked by warmth, theological conviction, and a deep commitment to helping people step into their role in God's story. Our staff team is unified, supportive, and genuinely enjoys working together. Compensation & Benefits We believe in caring well for those who shepherd our flock. We offer: - Competitive Salary: $60,000–$75,000 depending on experience and background - Housing Allowance: Available if ordained - Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance - Disability Coverage: Short and long-term disability insurance - Retirement Plan: 403(b) with 10% church contribution - Professional Development: Encouraged and funded by the church (conferences, training, resources) - Moving/Relocation Assistance: Available to help with transition - Vacation: 2–5 weeks annually depending on full-time ministry experience, plus denominational conference time - Regular Sabbath and Sabbital Opportunity: We believe in rest. You'll be encouraged to actually take your days off. Pastors are eligible for Sabbatical leave after 5 years of service at SV. Next Steps If the Lord is stirring something as you read this, we'd be honored to start a conversation. Your application should include: - Resume highlighting your student ministry leadership experience and volunteer development wins - Personal testimony and doctrinal statement (1–2 pages) - Your philosophy of student ministry and how you partner with parents and develop volunteers (1–2 pages) - Three professional references (ideally: one current or former supervisor, one ministry peer, one character reference from outside your ministry setting) How to Apply: - Apply: sv.apscareerportal.com/jobs/3384898 We look forward to hearing from you. Severns Valley Baptist Church 1100 Ring Road | Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (270) 765-7822 | info@sv.church | sv.church

View Details →5/15/2026

Senior Pastor

Vineyard Workers Church

Bowling Green, KY

Senior PastorFull-TimeOn-SiteNon-Denominational

$48,000

Senior Pastor will draft and deliver sermons, oversee prayer and Bible study, and develop programs within the church and outreach in the community that exemplify and encourage faith in our religious ideals. Since you will be a public representative of our faith, you must have a deep understanding and passion for the beliefs of our church. Our ideal applicant will obtain/have a MDiv degree and experience as an assistant or associate pastor, although the only strict requirement is church ordination. Senior Pastor leads and guides the staff and volunteers as he/she conveys the vision and mission of the church, while maintaining a Biblical example of Christ. He/she will first be an example of Godly leadership in their own family, provide spiritual guidance to congregants, serve as a church leader, positively and consistently representing our faith and vision, draft and deliver sermons for regularly and sometimes special scheduled services, lead staff and volunteers in the church mission and vision of service to Christ, family, and others, oversee prayer or Bible study groups, develop programs to encourage spiritual growth, assist and plan activities and events as related to the church mission. We are looking for someone passionate about discipling Godly families—men, women and children ,who are confident in who they are in Christ, and who are passionate about equipping the next generation to be led by the Spirit as they go into the world. The Senior Pastor answers directly to the board. Our Statement of Faith, beliefs and some whys are listed here— https://www.vineyardworkerschurch.com/beliefs

View Details →5/23/2026

Kids Ministry Pastor (Director)

Eastwood Baptist Church

Bowling Green, KY

Children's MinistryFull-TimeOn-SiteSouthern Baptist

About Eastwood Eastwood Baptist Church is a multigenerational multi-site church mobilizing disciples who make disciples from south central Kentucky to the world. Planted in 1953 to reach newly developing neighborhoods in Bowling Green, KY, Eastwood’s history is rich in church planting, mobilizing missionaries, and multiplying campuses. Located in the fastest growing county in Kentucky, the mission continues. “For the glory of God we are disciples who make disciples.” We value: Christ-Centered Worship: We worship with all we are because the mercies of God change everything. (Romans 12:1) Celebrating Life Change: We celebrate every step closer to Jesus.(Romans 12:2) Community with a Cause: We find community in the cause of Christ. (1 Peter 2:9-10) Calling Up the Next Generation: We are “all in” on calling up the next generation to live worthy of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27) Cooperative Missions: We cooperate with Kingdom partners to advance the Great Commission.(Acts 1:8) About the Kids Ministry Pastor (Director) The Fairview Campus Kids Ministry Pastor (Director) will help Eastwood fulfill our mission, “For the glory of God, we are disciples who make disciples,” by partnering with parents in organizing, leading, and continuously improving a comprehensive ministry to children and their families. Core Contributions Leadership Development: Create positive environment for serving in kids ministries through enlistment, ongoing equipping, encouragement, and empowerment of lay leaders. Build a dynamic team to execute an evangelistic Vacation Bible School as well as other outreach events to engage families with children. Discipleship: Collaborate with Next Gen Ministry Staff in planning all kids ministries to partner with parents in a unified “cradle to college” discipleship plan. Foundational discipleship environments include Sunday morning Small Groups, midweek programming, & events. Staff Collaboration: Collaborate with Next Gen Ministry Staff in planning and leading camps and other one church activities. Ensure a safe environment for Kids Ministry by collaborating with Director of Business Operations to maintain policies, processes, and appropriate facility security measures. Communication: Communicate effectively with staff, parents, and leaders utilizing varied methods and resources. Qualifications Spiritual: - Demonstrates sense of calling to vocational ministry. If applying for pastoral role, meets the pastoral qualifications as found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-10. If applying for director role, should also meet these character traits. - Demonstrates fruit in keeping with a born-again believer, having publicly professed faith in Jesus Christ through believer’s baptism by immersion. - Convictionally aligns with the Baptist Faith & Message, 2000, as Eastwood’s statement of faith. - Practices the spiritual disciplines, especially personal evangelism and tithing as fundamental to holistic life stewardship. - Models servant leadership. - Joyfully submits to following church leadership. General Education and Experience: - Prior experience ministering with children in a local church setting, Southern Baptist preferred. - Adapts to developing technology and is willing to learn programs and platforms utilized by the church, seeking to continuously improve efficiencies. - Proven track record of multiplying disciples and developing leaders. Experience in building or leading teams. - A bachelor’s degree in a ministry-related field, early childhood education, or related field preferred. What it’s like to live in Bowling Green, KY Bowling Green is a growing, family-friendly city in south-central Kentucky that offers an excellent setting for children’s ministry and family life. With a strong sense of community, affordable living, good schools, and a steady influx of young families, Bowling Green provides many opportunities to build meaningful relationships and reach children with the gospel. Home to Western Kentucky University, the city combines the energy of a college town with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy parks, youth sports, community events, and nearby outdoor attractions like Lost River Cave and Mammoth Cave National Park. Plus, Nashville is just an hour away, offering convenient access to major concerts, travel, and events. For a children’s ministry leader seeking a place to invest in families, serve in a gospel-centered church, and enjoy a high quality of life, Bowling Green is an ideal place to call home. Your Next Step If joining a team passionate about partnering with parents to call up the next generation to live worthy of the gospel excites you, then please submit a letter of interest with resume to searchteam@eastwoodonline.net.

View Details →5/18/2026

Preschool Minister

Severns Valley Baptist Church

Elizabethtown, KY

Children's MinistryFull-TimeOn-SiteBaptist

$45,000 - $50,000

Preschool Minister Severns Valley Baptist Church Position Type: Full-time Reports To: Lead Pastor Peer Relationship: Children's Minister Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually Preschool Minister The Preschool Minister shepherds our preschool ministry (birth through pre-K) at Severns Valley Baptist Church. This role exists to help young children and their families pursue God, grow in faith, and connect with our church family—fulfilling their role in God's story. This is relational, hands-on work. You'll create a safe, joyful, gospel-centered environment where young children can begin to know and love Jesus. You'll invest deeply in volunteer leaders, walk alongside parents as they disciple their children, and lead with warmth and presence. You're not managing programs; you're shepherding people. Whether you're new to ministry leadership or transitioning into kids ministry, you'll join a great team of SV Kids staff and volunteers. You won't figure this out alone. You'll be supported through a six-month partnership with Shepherd Staff, which provides weekly coaching, volunteer development training, and the systems and rhythms that make sustainable ministry possible. You'll serve under the Lead Pastor and work closely with the SV Kids Team, other ministry leaders, and the families God has entrusted to our care. What You'll Do Our values are pursue, equip, and connect. You'll see those three running through everything in this role. Pursue — Shepherd children and families toward Jesus - Lead by example in discipleship and pastoral care - Build relationships with children through consistent presence and genuine care - Walk alongside parents as the primary disciple-makers in their children's lives—equipping them, not replacing them - Lead and teach regularly in preschool environments on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings - Develop ministry pathways that welcome every child and create belonging for those with special needs Equip — Build and develop a thriving volunteer ecosystem - Identify, recruit, and develop a strong team of volunteer leaders who share the vision - Train and empower volunteers in their spiritual growth and leadership - Build a culture where volunteers feel equipped, valued, and called to something bigger than programming - Oversee classroom setup, curriculum preparation, seasonal environments, and overall ministry space management - Select or develop age-appropriate curriculum for Sunday morning, midweek, and topical studies Connect — Build bridges between children, families, and our church family - Plan and execute family programming, outreach events, and seasonal activities - Help lead VBS and preschool-related missions and service opportunities - Partner with the SV staff team to maintain a consistent discipleship pathway from birth through senior adulthood - Be present at key church events and gatherings to foster connection and strengthen community - Work closely with the SV Kids Team to align vision and values across all children's ministry environments Who We're Looking For We're seeking someone relational, teachable, and spiritually grounded. Someone passionate about helping preschool children and families step into a vibrant faith. You may be early in your ministry leadership journey, but you demonstrate strong character, real potential, and a genuine heart for young children and families. Essential Qualities - A committed follower of Jesus whose life reflects the gospel—anchored in Scripture and evangelical, Reformed theology within the SBC tradition - Genuine passion for discipling children and partnering with families - Relational leadership style—you connect well with volunteers, parents, and staff - Teachable and humble—open to coaching, feedback, and growth - Organized and self-motivated—able to plan, execute, and steward a calendar and team - Able to communicate clearly and lead with warmth, energy, and presence - Emotionally intelligent and relationally skilled—able to read a room and adapt - Comfortable with Google Workspace and basic digital tools - Aligned with SVBC's theology, mission, and values—willing to become a member Ideal Background & Experience - Background in preschool education (local school teacher preferred) or experience serving in children's ministry, education, camps, VBS, or related environments - Some volunteer or leadership experience; full-time ministry experience is not required - Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and empower volunteers - Proven gifts in teaching and one-on-one pastoral care - A degree or ministry training is helpful but not required; we're looking for teachability and character above all How We'll Support You You won't figure this out alone. The selected candidate will participate in the six-month Kids Ministry Leadership Development (KMLD) Program through our partnership with Shepherd Staff. Weekly coaching, practical training, and ongoing support will equip you to thrive. What the KMLD Program Provides: - Weekly coaching and leadership development - Child safety and ministry systems training - Volunteer recruitment and leadership strategies - Parent partnership and discipleship coaching - Curriculum planning and teaching support - Sustainable ministry rhythms and healthy leadership practices - Ongoing encouragement, accountability, and practical tools We're not looking for someone to run programs. We're investing in a leader with real potential—someone who can grow into a healthy, sustainable, and impactful preschool ministry through coaching, support, and partnership. What Success Looks Like We want you to thrive in this role, not just survive it. Here's what your first 12–18 months look like: First 90 Days: Learn & Connect - Build genuine relationships with volunteers, childcare staff, and families. Know their names, their stories, what keeps them serving. - Observe the rhythms, systems, and culture of preschool ministry before making changes - Meet with the SV Kids Team and key volunteer leaders; understand how preschool ministry connects to the broader church - Identify volunteer capacity—who's thriving, who's stretched, where the gaps are Months 4–9: Build & Strengthen - Establish a sustainable volunteer recruitment and development pipeline. Build a growing team of equipped leaders, not one person carrying the load. - Establish clear communication rhythms with volunteers and families so people feel informed, valued, and connected - Refine classroom environments, curriculum, and systems to reflect both excellence and warmth - Identify and invest in potential team leaders who can own specific areas of ministry Months 10–18: Multiply & Flourish - Volunteer leaders are taking real ownership of key areas—rooms, events, training—not just filling slots - Families are engaged and connected—not dropping kids off, but growing in their role as the primary disciplers of their children - The ministry can sustain a Sunday absence from you because your team is equipped and empowered - The gospel-centered vision for preschool ministry is understood and carried by your volunteer team, not just you Compensation & Benefits We believe in caring well for those who shepherd our flock. We offer: - Competitive Salary: $45,000–$50,000 depending on experience and background - Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance - Disability Coverage: Short and long-term disability insurance - Retirement Plan: 403(b) with church contribution - Professional Development: Encouraged and funded by the church (conferences, training, resources) - Moving/Relocation Assistance: Available to help with transition - Vacation: 2–5 weeks annually depending on ministry experience - Sabbath: We believe in rest. You'll be encouraged to actually take your days off. Next Steps If the Lord is stirring something as you read this, we'd be honored to start a conversation. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application at: www.sv.church/careers Severns Valley Baptist Church 1100 Ring Road | Elizabethtown, KY 42701 (270) 765-7822 | search@sv.church | sv.church

View Details →5/17/2026

Is Your Kentucky Church Hiring?

Post your open ministry position and connect with qualified candidates. Listings start at $149.

Post a Job — from $149