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Senior Pastor Jobs
Find open Senior Pastor positions at churches across the country.
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Last updated July 15, 2026
Senior Pastor Salary & Career Guide
Senior Pastor positions offer meaningful opportunities to lead congregations of all sizes in spiritual growth and community outreach. Small churches typically offer salaries ranging from $38,000 to $65,000 and provide excellent environments for developing pastoral leadership skills, while medium-sized congregations generally compensate between $58,000 and $95,000 with expanded ministry responsibilities. Large church senior pastor roles often include salaries from $85,000 to $160,000 along with comprehensive ministry programs and staff leadership opportunities. Most pastors follow a natural progression from Associate Pastor or Youth Pastor roles to Senior Pastor positions at smaller churches, eventually advancing to larger congregations and potentially lead pastor roles at multisite churches as their experience and calling develop.
| Church Size | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Small Church | $38k - $65k |
| Medium Church | $58k - $95k |
| Large Church | $85k - $160k |
Typical Qualifications
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent theological degree; 5+ years of pastoral experience; ordination required by most churches; strong preaching and leadership skills
Common Benefits
Housing allowance, health insurance, retirement contributions, continuing education budget, paid sabbatical every 5-7 years, professional development funds
Career Path
Associate Pastor or Youth Pastor -> Senior Pastor at smaller church -> Senior Pastor at larger church -> Lead Pastor at multisite church
Salary Calculator
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Senior Pastor Salaries by Denomination
Based on active listings with salary data. Only denominations with 3+ listings shown.
| Denomination | Open Listings | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Baptist | 4 | Varies |
Last updated July 15, 2026
Open Senior Pastor Positions
Senior Pastor
CommUNITY Church
Salem, VA
CommUNITY Church of Salem, VA seeks its next Senior Pastor CommUNITY Church is committed to glorifying God and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ as our priority and is the foundation of our existence. God has blessed us for more than 20 years with amazing growth, multiple locations, and countless lives transformed as followers of Jesus Christ. With the departure of our founding Senior Pastor, we are currently seeking the man whom God is calling and preparing to uphold our mission, shepherd our congregation, and lead us into the future with enthusiasm, wisdom and grace. Position Summary The Senior Pastor will serve as the primary spiritual leader and shepherd of CommUNITY Church, providing sound biblical teaching, visionary leadership, and pastoral care. The Senior Pastor has overall responsibility for church operations, and will work alongside church staff, deacons, and the congregation to equip believers, foster spiritual growth, and advance the mission of our church both locally and globally. The Senior Pastor is expected to support and adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message and is accountable to the deacons and church leadership. The Ideal Candidate Character Traits Ø Passionate follower of Jesus Christ with a deep, personal relationship with God. Ø Biblically Grounded- committed to sound doctrine (1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9). Capable of leading with theological depth. Ø Integrity & Humility- leads with honesty, transparency, and a servant’s heart. Ø Caring & Shepherding- a leader who nurtures, counsels, and prays for the congregation. Ø Outward-Focused- passionate about outreach, evangelism, and making a difference in the community. Gifts and Skills Ø Strong Leader & Team Builder- able to equip, delegate, and empower staff and volunteers. Ø Relational & Perceptive- connects well with people across all age groups and backgrounds. Ø Clear Spiritual Communicator- effectively teaches and preaches God’s word with clarity and conviction (2 Tim. 4:2). Ø Visionary Leader- actively casts a compelling vision for our church’s future. Personality and Leadership Ø Approachable & Relational- engages with people personally, not just from the pulpit. Has an open-door policy for staff members and the congregation. Ø Visible & Present- actively involved in church life and ministries. Ø Trust-Based Leadership- sets clear expectations while empowering and trusting others to lead. Ø Decisive Yet Collaborative- makes tough decisions with wisdom, while listening and valuing input. Fosters and defend the church’s strong stand on unity among church leaders and within our congregation. Ø Vulnerable & Authentic- willing to share personal struggles and his faith journey. Education and Experience Ø A master’s degree or doctoral degree from seminary preferred. Ø Significant experience in pastoral leadership (minimum 5 years) including preaching, vision casting, and discipleship. Ø Preferred minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing all operations of a similar size church. Ø Is ordained, with pastoral experience in an SBC or non-denominational bible-based church. Ø Has a strong background in ministry leadership while remaining open to growth and change. Ø Able to steward church’s resources responsibly, ensuring financial growth and organizational health. Ø Experience in connecting with young adults while maintaining wisdom and grace for all demographics. Key Challenges & Opportunities Ø Change Leadership – Guides the church through transition while honoring its legacy. Ø Building Trust – Gain the trust of the staff, volunteers, and the congregation in a time of leadership change. Ø Navigating Expectations – Balances respect for tradition with a vision for the future. Ø Outreach & Growth – Helps bring in new people while fostering deep discipleship. Encouraging outreach and evangelism in an ever-changing cultural landscape. Compensation A benefits package will be offered. The Pastor’s salary and benefits package will be determined based on experience, education, cost of living and salaries of Pastors in churches of comparable size in the area. The package includes salary (paid monthly) with a self-designated housing percentage, retirement benefits, insurance, ministry expense reimbursement and vacation time. How To Apply Interested candidates should submit the following: - A cover letter sharing your testimony and sense of calling to pastoral ministry. - A resume with references detailing your experience and qualifications. - Links to recent sermons (if available). - Please send to our Pastor Search Team at OpenPosition@communitychurchva.com with subject line: Senior Pastor Position – [Your Name] or mail to CommUNITY Church, Attn: Pastor Search Team at 1923 East Main Street, Salem VA 24153.
Pastor
First Baptist Church of Brentwood
Brentwood, NH
$55,000
We are prayerfully seeking a Pastor to lead our congregation. The First Baptist Church of Brentwood is a multi-generational community of believers centered on the cross and sent out in the love of Christ. For over two hundred years, we have been a cornerstone of faith in Brentwood, New Hampshire, dedicated to worshiping God, teaching the Gospel, and serving our neighbors. We are seeking an enthusiastic and visionary Pastor to lead our congregation in spiritual growth and community engagement. If you are a devoted leader committed to shepherding a church family and sharing the timeless truth of Jesus Christ, we invite you to consider joining us. Key Responsibilities The spiritual well-being of the congregation, working in close cooperation with all boards and missions. Our bylaws assist in articulating the leadership qualities required for this position. Preaching and Worship: Have full charge over all public worship services, delivering engaging, biblically based sermons that align with the church’s Statement of Faith. Administer the ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism. Spiritual Leadership and Pastoral Care: Provide spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and counseling to the congregation. Foster the development of Christian character within the church and the local community, to include potential and new members. Administrative Leadership: Serve as an advisory member to all boards, committees, and functions of the church, including the Church Cabinet. Administer the church’s activities in cooperation with the Diaconate, Board of Trustees, and Board of Christian Education. Discipleship and Education: Support and grow the educational ministries of the church, including Sunday School and Bible studies, to deepen the faith of our members. Active Participation: Regional Baptist activities and meetings, to include annual gathering. Increase current membership through active participation within our local community. Qualifications Must be an ordained American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire (ABCVNH) minister or have "privilege of call" with ABCVNH, as stipulated in the church bylaws. A degree in Theology, Divinity, or a related field from an accredited seminary or university. Proven pastoral experience with strong preaching, teaching, and counseling skills. A heart for collaborative ministry and demonstrated ability to lead within a church structure that includes boards and committees. A personal faith and doctrine in harmony with The First Baptist Church of Brentwood’s Statement of Faith as outlined in our bylaws. And seeks character qualities as defined by 1 Timothy 3 Our Statement of Faith We affirm that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice. We believe in one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning death on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, His physical resurrection, and his present intercession on our behalf as our High Priest and advocate. Compensation Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The compensation package offers an option to reside in our newly renovated parsonage house on our Church property. Recent pictures display this bright freshly painted property with new appliances. Currently there are three bedrooms and one bathroom. To Apply The Pastoral Search Committee, in full consultation with the executive regional minister of ABCVNH, will be reviewing all applications. To apply, please submit the following documents to our office email address: Brentwoodfirstbaptist@outlook.com Please include: A Cover Letter introducing yourself and your ministry philosophy. Current resume or CV. A personal Statement of Faith. Links to recent sermon recordings (video or audio preferred).
Lead Pastor
Pathway Community Church
Spokane Valley, WA
Are you passionate about nurturing faith, impacting the community, and leading a church family? Pathway Community Church is seeking a Senior Pastor who can provide spiritual leadership, shepherding, and pastoral care to our congregation. As the Pastor, you will play a vital role in preaching the Word of God, delivering Biblically sound sermons, administering the ordinances, and conducting public worship. Located in the supportive, family-oriented community of Spokane Valley, Pathway Community Church offers an outstanding environment for individuals seeking to make a lifelong kingdom difference. Pathway Community Church is a free, autonomous, and completely independent local church. We are self-governing and answerable to no external ecclesiastical authority except Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. We are actively seeking a pastor whose soundness of faith, aptness to teach, and educational qualifications align with our biblical standards.
Pastor
Broad River Baptist Church
Eastanollee, GA
Broad River Baptist Church in Eastanollee, GA, is seeking applications for the position of Pastor. We are located about 1 and 1/2 hours NE of Atlanta, GA. The Pastor is responsible for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and encouraging the local church body to do so, for guiding the spiritual development of the congregation, providing pastoral care in meeting the needs of persons in the church and the community, and for providing administrative leadership of the church. Qualifications and Requirements: · A clear, personal calling to pastoral ministry · Doctrinally sound and Bible-based in teaching and practice · Minimum age of 30 preferred · Minimum High School Education · Licensed and ordained in a Southern Baptist Church preferred · 1-5 years of pastoral experience in a Southern Baptist Church preferred · Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong communication skills · Ability to listen effectively and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing Application Process Applicants should submit the following · A current resume · A list of references with contact information · Access to recent sermons for review · Salary requirements Materials may be submitted by email: broadriverbaptistpsc@gmail.com
Bivocational Pastor
Union Hill Baptist Church
Goodlettsville, TN
Union Hill Baptist Church, located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, is prayerfully seeking a bi-vocational pastor whom God is calling to lead our congregation. Union Hill Baptist Church is a warm, historic congregation with a heart for God’s Word and a desire to reach our community. We are praying for the pastor whom God is preparing to lead us with humility, vision, and a servant’s heart.
Pastor
Washburn Baptist Church
Washburn, ND
$55,000
Washburn Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a pastor who faithfully preaches God’s Word, actively shepherds and cares for people, leads with prayerful dependence on God, plans strategically while equipping others for ministry, and engages the community with an outward, evangelistic focus. We are a small, NAB-affiliated congregation located in Washburn, North Dakota, a scenic community of around 1,300. Washburn is an energy and agricultural-based community along the Missouri River, 35 miles north of Bismarck, North Dakota. Our church family is committed to caring for one another and serving the surrounding community, including hosting a large and active AWANA program that reaches many local families. We are asking God for a man of humility and integrity, who will help lead our church into the next season of ministry with enthusiasm for moving us forward in practical ways. Our next pastor should be a Spirit-led man of character who serves as a compassionate encourager to others. Pastoral Responsibilities - Faithfully preach and teach the entirety of God’s Word, ensuring all teaching is Biblically-sound - Work alongside others to continue our priority of youth impact through our AWANA program - Collaborate with WBC leadership to build a vision for future growth of our church - Provide shepherding through pastoral care, including: - Church family and community outreach - Visitation and encouragement - Dedications, marriages, funerals, and baptisms - Mentoring and discipling - Maintain connection with regional NAB churches by attending association and cluster meetings Qualifications - A mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated through: - Strong dependence on prayer - A working and continually-growing knowledge of the Bible - Agreement with WBC doctrine and practices, as well as the NAB Statement of Beliefs and NAB Christian Affirmation of Marriage. (https://nabconference.org/us/#our_beliefs) - A degree in Theology, Ministry, or Biblical Studies - Willingness to be active in continuing education - Basic computer skills - Ability to minister to all age groups Compensation - Commensurate with qualifications and experience - Includes use of a modern, 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath parsonage with a 2-car garage, located a few blocks from the church Application ProcessInterested candidates are invited to apply via email or mail. Please include: - A current resume - Contact information for three references - A short statement of faith - If possible, links or directions to access recent sermon recordings - Email: washburnbaptistc@gmail.com Mail: Washburn Baptist Church Attn: Search Committee PO Box 136 Washburn, ND 58577 Church Information and Job Description
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church of Samson
Samson, AL
First Baptist Church is located in Samson, AL. Samson is a small, rural community in the west side of Geneva County. Samson is a community of a little over 2,000 people who love and are faithful to their community in all aspects. The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the church. We believe that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and the pastor is the under-shepherd. the primary role of the pastor is to lead this body of believers into a functioning New Testament, visionary church. Qualifications: The qualifications of the pastor is outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3; and Titus 1:5-9. Additionally, the pastor should possess such training and experiences. Duties: The pastor shall: – Lead the church in the achievement of its mission and purposes – Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers – Care for the church members and other persons in the community – Administer the ordinances
Recently Expired Senior Pastor Positions
These positions are no longer accepting applications. Browse active jobs above or view the full archive.
Lead Pastor
Redeemer Eagle Valley
Eagle, CO
Pastor
Wardell Baptist Church
Wardell, MO
Pastor
First Baptist Church of Nome
Nome, TX
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