Discipleship Pastor Salary & Benefits: What Churches Need to Know

Hiring a Discipleship Pastor (sometimes called a Pastor of Spiritual Formation) is a strategic move, but what should a church expect to pay? Whether you're budgeting for a new role or preparing for a compensation review, it's important to understand how salary and benefits for a Discipleship Pastor typically work.

This guide will walk you through the national averages, key factors that influence salary, benefits to consider, and how smaller churches can approach compensation creatively.

Average Salary for a Discipleship Pastor

The salary range for a Discipleship Pastor in the United States is typically between $40,000 and $75,000 per year. However, several factors can push this number higher or lower:

• Smaller churches (under 150 in attendance): $35,000–$50,000

• Medium churches (150–500 in attendance): $50,000–$65,000

• Larger churches (500+ in attendance): $65,000–$90,000+

In many cases, the Discipleship Pastor role may be combined with another ministry function (like small groups, adult education, or pastoral care), which can also impact the compensation package.

Factors That Influence Salary

Several variables affect how much a church pays a Discipleship Pastor:

• Church size and budget: Naturally, larger budgets allow for more competitive compensation.

• Geographic location: Cost of living in urban areas like Los Angeles or New York will necessitate higher salaries than in rural or suburban settings.

• Experience and education: A candidate with 10+ years of experience or a graduate degree in theology, ministry, or leadership will often command a higher salary.

• Job responsibilities: Some Discipleship Pastors oversee multiple ministries (small groups, men’s/women’s ministry, youth/students), which may justify higher pay.

To download a free editable template for a discipleship pastor job description, click here.

Benefits to Include

Salary is just part of the equation. A comprehensive compensation package typically includes some or all of the following:

• Health insurance

• Retirement contributions

• Continuing education budget

• Conference or ministry event stipends

• Paid vacation and sabbatical time

• Book/resource allowance

• Housing allowance (especially for ordained ministers)

Be sure to structure compensation packages in compliance with IRS guidelines for ministers, especially regarding clergy housing allowances and clergy tax exemptions.

Creative Solutions for Smaller Churches

What if your church can't afford a full-time Discipleship Pastor?

Here are a few options to consider:

• Hire part-time or bi-vocationally: Many gifted leaders are willing to serve while maintaining other employment.

• Split the role with another staff member or local church.

• Develop a volunteer discipleship leader with a passion for discipleship who can be trained and mentored into the role. (I call this a "discipleship champion.")

• Use structured discipleship resources, like NewStart Discipleship, to build a scalable discipleship system without needing to hire immediately.

If you want to give your discipleship pastor a clear pathway for discipleship, try this free resource:

Final Thoughts

A Discipleship Pastor isn't just a staff addition. Instead, they’re an investment in the long-term health and growth of your church. While salary and benefits should reflect fairness and sustainability, don’t overlook the value that strong discipleship brings to your church's mission.

If you’re evaluating whether this hire makes sense right now, be sure to explore all your options—including high-quality discipleship systems that don’t require a full-time staff member.

Want to make disciples without hiring a full-time pastor? Click here to learn more about NewStart Discipleship.