Senior pastor vs elder

The differences between senior pastors and elders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a senior pastor and an elder. Additionally, a senior pastor has an average salary of $45,556, which is higher than the $32,205 average annual salary of an elder.

The top three skills for a senior pastor include community outreach, pastoral care and overseer. The most important skills for an elder are vital signs, blood pressure, and caregiver.

Senior pastor vs elder overview

	Senior Pastor	Elder
Yearly salary	$45,556	$32,205
Hourly rate	$21.90	$15.48
Growth rate	-	36%
Number of jobs	466	14,156
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	51	51
Years of experience	4	4

Senior pastor vs elder salary

Senior pastors and elders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Senior Pastor	Elder
Average salary	$45,556	$32,205
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $71,000	Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	San Diego, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Bethel Church	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between senior pastor and elder education

There are a few differences between a senior pastor and an elder in terms of educational background:

	Senior Pastor	Elder
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Theology	Business
Most common college	Emory University	Emory University

Senior pastor vs elder demographics

Here are the differences between senior pastors' and elders' demographics:

	Senior Pastor	Elder
Average age	51	51
Gender ratio	Male, 92.2% Female, 7.8%	Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 6.6% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between senior pastor and elder duties and responsibilities

Senior pastor example responsibilities.

Manage and provide oversight for the administration of all ministry areas within the organization.
Emphasize Christ-centered teaching, fervent prayer, multilevel family Christian education programs, evangelism and mission outreaches.
Encourage servant evangelism and outreach through numerous community service projects i.e.
Major responsibilities include purchasing or developing curriculum, group leadership, volunteer recruitment and training.
Major responsibilities include purchasing or developing curriculum, group leadership, volunteer recruitment and training.

Elder example responsibilities.

Work on achieving goals with child base on yearly ISP reports.
Be able to assist clients with ADL's, such as bathing and grooming.
Fill in as substitute caregiver for other assignments.
Administer medications, assist with meals, laundry, mobility and ADL'S.
Assist father with Alzheimer care needs, social activities and day to day routines.
Serve congregation as a small group leader, usher, and children's ministry volunteer.

Senior pastor vs elder skills

Common senior pastor skills

Community Outreach, 22%
Pastoral Care, 11%
Overseer, 8%
Bible Study, 6%
GOD, 5%
Funeral Services, 4%

Common elder skills

Vital Signs, 15%
Blood Pressure, 14%
Caregiver, 13%
Home Maintenance, 8%
Meal Preparation, 8%
Social Work, 7%