How can I become a pastor?

Answer

There are various denominations that require specific training and certifications to become a pastor. In these instances, the pastor typically serves the denomination and reports directly to them. Other churches are considered “independent” and typically select a pastor with the consent of the congregation or another local governing body. In such cases, the requirements are set by the entity responsible for selecting the pastor. This article will discuss the general biblical and practical qualifications for becoming a pastor, acknowledging that specific churches or denominations may impose additional requirements. It will also assume that the individual aspiring to become a pastor is someone who has embraced faith in Christ and is maturing in faith and daily spiritual life. Pursuing a career as a full-time minister is not merely one of many job options based on working conditions, income, job security, etc. Being a biblical pastor or minister entails daily reliance on the Lord and investing one’s life in others. When carried out effectively, pastoring is both demanding and costly, yet rewarding and fulfilling.

Historically, and possibly still in some circles today, there has been an emphasis on a “calling,” suggesting that a person must receive a special call from God to be a pastor. In a sense, this is true. However, it is not mandatory for a person to have a specific experience in which they were “called” to ministry. If someone desires to be a pastor, they should pursue it: “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task” «This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. », (1 Timothy 3:1). The individual aspiring to be a pastor is encouraged by the fact that pastoring is a noble task, and they will have the support of those they are currently ministering to. If God is in it, God wIll open more doors for ministry. However, one’s motivation for pursuing the ministry should always be God’s glory and the good of others. A person who enters the ministry for money, power, influence, or prestige is seeking the wrong things.

Here are some practical steps you can take to become a pastor or minister:

1. Take advantage of ministry opportunities where you are. The word pastor has as its root the idea of shepherding the flock of God, which would involve feeding them spiritual food and protecting them from spiritual harm, much like a shepherd protects and provides for his sheep. The word minister has at its root the idea of serving or meeting needs. In a general sense, every believer should be a pastor or minister to others at home, school, work, and church. Intentionally ministering to people who cross our paths on a daily basis is excellent training for becoming a full-time minister. Every would-be minister should first take advantage of the ministry opportunities the Lord offers on a daily basis before seeking more opportunities.

2. Enter fully into the life of a biblically based local church. Most churches have hundreds of things that need to be done and many people with unmet needs. Volunteering in the local church is an excellent way for an individual to try different kinds of ministry and find out what he is good at, what he is gifted at, and what he enjoys doing. It will also give the prospective pastor an opportunity for lots of “on-the-job training.” Anyone who wants to become a full-time minister should have a long history of volunteer and/or part-time ministry in a local church. The experience and accountability that come with such service are invaluable.

3. Become a student of God’s Word. Every Christian should be a student of God’s Word, but, as a pastor, preaching and teaching God’s Word (whether in front of the whole congregation, in a smaller class or Bible study, or one-on-one) is the first priority «preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (see 2 Timothy 4:2). Therefore, the pastor must become an expert in God’s Word.

A brain surgeon must know the human brain and surgical techniques thoroughly. A lawyer must study for years and pass the bar exam before being allowed to practice law. An electrician must work under an experienced electrician for years before being allowed to work independently. In each of these professions, life, safety, and freedom may be at risk. A pastor deals with something even more crucial—eternal souls! More than anything else, a pastor must know the content of the Bible and how to properly interpret it. He must then be able to apply the Bible’s teachings and communicate God’s truth effectively.

In many countries, individuals aspiring to become pastors do not have the opportunity for formal education. However, in the United States and the Western world, Bible colleges and seminaries are plentiful. If higher biblical education is accessible, anyone desiring to become a minister should endeavor to attend an undergraduate Bible college and a reputable, Bible-based seminary. Bible colleges and seminaries offer numerous beneficial classes on the practical aspects of ministry (such as youth ministry, conducting weddings and funerals, church administration, etc.), but adequate preparation for ministry must also encompass rigorous, academic courses in Bible and theology. Once in the ministry, a pastor should continue with a diligent study of God’s Word.

In some circles, formal education is undervalued in favor of solely “relying on the Spirit.” This approach can be a mistake. As one renowned pastor rightly stated, the more you study God’s Word, the more the Spirit has to work with in your ministry. Education is not a replacement for relying on the Spirit, and relying on the Spirit is not a substitute for education. Both aspects are crucial.

While engaged in full-time academic study to prepare

When preparing for ministry, the student should not overlook steps 1 and 2.

Meet the biblical qualifications. First Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–8 outline the biblical requirements for pastors (also known as elders or overseers). These qualifications highlight spiritual maturity and wisdom in interacting with people and in managing one’s own conduct. One specific requirement is that pastors/elders/overseers should be men, not women. However, there are numerous other ministry roles available to women, such as children’s ministry and women’s ministry. Women can also hold significant ministry positions in other Christian organizations.

If an individual aspiring to be a pastor or minister is diligently studying the Word, meets the biblical criteria, is growing in faith, and is seizing all available opportunities within the local church, more avenues for service will open up. These opportunities may arise through an official job announcement from a church seeking to fill a position or through a more natural progression as one ministry role leads to another with greater responsibility.