Associate Pastor | Union Church | Austin, Tx

Union Church is a multicultural, multigenerational, and inclusive church that pursues flourishing together.

The Associate Pastor serves as a community-minded pastor and ministry leader who helps people grow in Christ, belong in authentic community, and participate in God’s work for the common good. This role combines pastoral leadership, ministry operations, hospitality, and community development.

The ideal candidate is both highly relational and highly organized—someone who can build systems while building people; lead ministry while developing leaders; and provide pastoral presence while creating sustainable structures.

This position partners closely with the Senior Pastor to strengthen church-wide discipleship, provide pastoral support and leadership backup, develop ministries and volunteers, and create environments where people experience belonging and spiritual growth.

Reports To:

Senior Pastor

FLSA Status:
Exempt, Full-Time

Pastoral Leadership & Operations

Serve as a pastoral partner to the Senior Pastor and provide leadership and support across ministry areas.

Provide pastoral care, coaching, and encouragement to members and attenders.

Preach approximately 4–6 Sundays per year (or as determined by Senior Pastor)

Support community development and partnerships

Manage ministry communications, systems, administration, and follow-up

Collaborate with staff to improve ministry effectiveness and sustainability

Spiritual Formation & Groups

Create systems that help people move from guest -> belonging -> engagement -> leadership

Equip and coach group leaders to develop healthy discipleship environments

Develop annual ministry goals, rhythms, and outcomes

Partner with staff and leaders to develop pathways for spiritual growth

Next Generation

Develop, lead, and support next-generation mentorship model and family engagement

Partner across church ministries to strengthen connection and care

Create cross-generational opportunities for service, hospitality, and seeking the common good

Hospitality & Belonging

Oversee Hospitality and Guest Experience ministries

Build welcoming systems for first-time guests and ongoing engagement

Strengthen volunteer teams that create environments of belonging

Ensure Sunday and ministry environments reflect Union’s values and culture

Leadership Qualities

Strong interpersonal skills and a warm, positive presence

Demonstrates pastoral maturity and spiritual leadership

Strong administrative and organizational ability

Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and improve systems

Comfortable leading in multicultural and multigenerational environments

Congregational Abilities

Ability to lead and coach participants, volunteers, ministry leaders, and staff

Ability to identify and launch new community development opportunities

Ability to cultivate meaningful relationships across backgrounds and cultures

Ability to speak and teach in various ministry settings

Overall Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong time management and follow-up

Problem-solving and adaptive leadership

Basic technical proficiency in Google Workspace and ministry data systems

Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations, manage competing priorities, and follow through effectively

Education & Experience

Minimum High School Diploma or GED

College degree and/or seminary or graduate education preferred

3–5 years of related ministry or leadership experience preferred

Leadership Experience

Experience leading teams and volunteers

Experience leading community-building initiatives and care ministries

Experience organizing and equipping Christ followers for ministry

Experience developing leaders and making disciples who seek the…