Pastor of Preschool Ministries

Salem Alliance Church; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem Alliance Church in Salem, OR, is seeking a Pastor of Preschool Ministries to lead birth through preschool programs, recruit and oversee staff and volunteers, and partner with Children’s and Student Ministries. This full-time, exempt role requires a Biblical foundation, CMA licensing or pursuit, and the ability to manage ministry operations and budget.

You will provide spiritual guidance to families, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure safe environments, and participate in regular

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Christian Education, Theology, or related field) and at least 2 years of full-time ministry or leadership experience with children/families.
• Credentialed/licensed with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) or willing to pursue licensing within 3 years.
• Must pass a background check, maintain a valid driver’s license, and align with CMA doctrinal values.
• Physical demands include sitting on the floor, lifting up to 20 lbs (and occasionally children up to 30 lbs).

Responsibilities

• Oversees vision, strategy, and operations for preschool programming (birth through preschool age).
• Recruits, supervises, and evaluates staff and volunteers; collaborates with Children's, GLO, and Student Ministries.
• Provides spiritual guidance, care, and encouragement to preschool children, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Selects and evaluates age-appropriate, biblically grounded curriculum; maintains safe, engaging spaces.
• Screens, onboards, trains, and disciples volunteer teams.
• Manages the preschool ministry budget, check-in technology, attendance records, and church management systems.

Skills

Leadership

Pastoral Care

Curriculum Development

Volunteer Management

Administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education, Theology, or related field

Licensing with CMA (or willingness to pursue)

Job description

Salem Alliance Church is a Christian community committed to exalting Jesus Christ and helping individuals become fully devoted followers. The church emphasizes sharing grace and truth with all people through worship, teaching, and service. Staff and volunteers collaborate to create a welcoming environment for families, children, and people of all ages. Salem Alliance values spiritual growth, biblical teaching, and meaningful relationships within the church and the broader community.

Overview & Compensation

Salem Alliance Church is a Christian community committed to exalting Jesus Christ and helping individuals become fully devoted followers. The church emphasizes sharing grace and truth with all people through worship, teaching, and service. Staff and volunteers collaborate to create a welcoming environment for families, children, and people of all ages. Salem Alliance values spiritual growth, biblical teaching, and meaningful relationships within the church and the broader community.

• Role: Pastor of Preschool Ministries at Salem Alliance Church (Salem, OR)
• Status: Full-Time, Exempt (Salary Range: $51,168 – $62,338)
• Schedule: Onsite during regular weekday office hours, with required weekend ministry leadership (Saturday evening and Sunday services), plus occasional evenings/events.
• Reports To: Associate Pastor of Children & Student Ministries

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Oversees vision, strategy, and operations for preschool programming (birth through preschool age); recruits, supervises, and evaluates staff and volunteers; collaborates with Children's, GLO (special needs), and Student Ministries.
• Pastoral Care: Provides spiritual guidance, care, and encouragement to preschool children, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Curriculum & Environment: Selects and evaluates age-appropriate, biblically grounded curriculum; maintains safe, clean, and engaging ministry spaces.
• Volunteer Management: Screens, onboards, trains, and disciples volunteer teams.
• Administration: Manages the preschool ministry budget, child check-in technology, attendance records, and church management systems.
  

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree (Christian Education, Theology, or related field preferred) and at least 2 years of full-time ministry or leadership experience with children/families.
• Licensing: Credentialed/licensed with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) or willing to pursue licensing within 3 years.
• Clearances: Must pass a background check, maintain a valid driver's license, and align with C&MA doctrinal values.
• Physical Demands: Able to sit on the floor, lift up to 20 lbs (and occasionally children up to 30 lbs), and navigate multi-story campus facilities.

Full job description is available here: https://www.salemalliance.org/s/Pastor-of-Preschool-Ministries-Job-Description-2026.pdf.