Ministry Jobs

Find Your Next Ministry Position — or Find Your Next Pastor

MinistryPlace Jobs is built specifically for small and rural churches. Unlike large job boards that focus on mega-churches and full-time positions, we specialize in:

  • Bi-vocational pastor positions — part-time ministry with secular employment
  • Small church staff roles — youth pastor, children’s director, worship leader
  • Rural church positions — serving communities outside major metro areas
  • Interim and transitional roles — short-term pastoral positions
  • Volunteer and stipend positions — for churches that can’t afford full-time staff

—

Browse Current Openings

[wp_job_manager_search]

—

For Churches: How to Post a Job Listing

What Makes a Great Church Job Posting?

The best job postings attract the right candidates because they’re honest, specific, and compelling. Here’s what to include:

1. Church Profile

  • Church name and location (or “confidential” if preferred)
  • Denominational affiliation (if any)
  • Average attendance
  • Brief history and mission
  • Community description

2. Position Details

  • Job title
  • Employment type (full-time, part-time, bi-vocational, interim)
  • Expected hours per week
  • Compensation range (be transparent — it saves everyone time)
  • Benefits (housing, insurance, retirement, vacation)

3. Qualifications

  • Must-have requirements (ordination, theological alignment, experience)
  • Preferred qualifications (specific skills, age range, family status)
  • Deal-breakers (issues that would disqualify a candidate)

4. How to Apply

  • Contact person and email
  • Required materials (resume, statement of faith, sermon video, references)
  • Application deadline

Common Mistakes Churches Make

Being vague about compensation. If you’re paying $15,000/year, say so. Candidates would rather know upfront than waste time on a position they can’t accept.

Writing a novel. Keep your job posting to 500-800 words. Include a link to a longer church profile if needed.

Ignoring the candidate experience. Respond to every application, even if it’s just a brief “we received your materials.” Ghosting candidates reflects poorly on your church.

Not being honest about challenges. If your church is declining, say so. If there was conflict with the previous pastor, acknowledge it. Honest postings attract candidates who are prepared for reality.

—

For Pastors: How to Find the Right Position

Where to Look

Ministry-Specific Job Boards:

  • MinistryPlace Jobs (this site)
  • MinistryJobs.com
  • ChurchStaffing.com
  • Denominational job boards

General Job Boards:

  • Indeed.com (search “pastor” or “church”)
  • LinkedIn (set your profile to “open to opportunities”)

Networking:

  • Denominational conferences and events
  • Seminary alumni networks
  • Personal relationships with other pastors

What to Look For

Red Flags:

  • No written job description
  • Vague or evasive answers about compensation
  • High turnover (3 pastors in 5 years)
  • Unwillingness to provide a church profile
  • Pressure to make a decision quickly

Green Flags:

  • Clear, written job description
  • Transparent compensation and benefits
  • Stable church with a clear vision
  • Willingness to let you preach a trial sermon
  • Realistic expectations for the role

Preparing Your Application

Resume/CV: Keep it to 2 pages. Highlight ministry experience, education, and relevant skills.

Statement of Faith: 1-2 pages summarizing your core theological convictions. Be specific — “I believe the Bible is God’s Word” is too vague.

Sermon Video: Include 1-2 recent sermons. Make sure the audio quality is good. Choose sermons that represent your typical preaching style.

References: Include 3-5 references, including at least one from a former church. Give your references a heads-up that they may be contacted.

—

Post a Job Listing

[wp_job_manager_submit_job_form]

—

Resources for Your Search

For Churches:

  • [Pastor Search Committee Guide](/pastoral-transition/pastor-search-committee-guide/)
  • [Pastor-Church Agreement Template](/church-leadership/)
  • [Compensation Guide for Small Churches](/church-leadership/small-church-budget-template/)

For Pastors:

  • [Bi-Vocational Pastor Tax Guide](/bi-vocational-ministry/bi-vocational-pastor-taxes-legal/)
  • [Pastor-Church Agreement Template](/church-leadership/)
  • [What to Do When Your Pastor Leaves](/what-to-do-when-your-pastor-leaves/)
Scroll to Top