Associate Pastor

Church Posting; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bridge Community Church in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an Associate Pastor to join our campus ministry and collaborate with our Campus Pastors to strengthen our church’s vision and expand our reach.

The ideal candidate will lead small groups, support staff initiatives, and help build the campus while coaching volunteers, providing pastoral care, and facilitating community outreach. A heart for ministry and growth is essential for this multi-faceted role.

Qualifications

• Must have a thriving, healthy relationship with Jesus.
• Proven ability to build and lead teams.
• Humble, teachable, and self-motivated.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience in pastoral care and discipleship.
• Demonstrated excellence in ministry execution.
• Leads through conflict in a way that honors people.

Responsibilities

• Lead small groups and disciple leaders.
• Support staff initiatives and campus development.
• Build and strengthen the campus through relational leadership.
• Coach volunteer teams and provide pastoral care.
• Facilitate community outreach and church programs.

Skills

Relational leadership

Team leadership

Pastoral care

Discipleship

Communication skills

Project coordination

Job description

This is a full-time ministry position at The Bridge Community Church.

The Bridge is seeking an Associate Pastor to serve alongside our Campus Pastors, strengthening our church’s vision and expanding our reach. This leader will partner in shepherding our community, helping amplify our mission across ministries, and enabling deeper impact throughout their campus and beyond. They’ll support ministries at the campus, care deeply for people, and become a trusted spiritual and operational right-hand to help lead us into the future.

The ideal Associate Pastor will thrive in a multi-faceted role - leading small groups, supporting staff initiatives, and building the campus. Ministry here calls for grace, dynamism, and a desire to multiply leaders. Whether coaching volunteer teams, providing pastoral care, or facilitating community outreach, this person brings excellence, authenticity, and a teachable spirit to every task.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Relational leader
• Coach & mentor heart
• High relational intelligence
• Initiative‑taker
• Adaptive multitasker
• Mission‑driven
• Collaborative communicator

QUALIFICATIONS

• Thriving, healthy relationship with Jesus
• Proven ability to build and lead teams
• Humble, teachable, and self‑motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Experience in pastoral care and discipleship
• Demonstrated excellence in ministry execution
• Leads through conflict in a way that honors people