Becoming a pastor varies by denomination, but typically involves attending a seminary to earn a degree in church doctrine, counseling, and sermon preparation. Some denominations elect pastors based on recommendations in the Bible. Seminaries often offer church placement programs to help new pastors find a church to serve. Some denominations follow guidelines in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 to ordain a minister.
The method of becoming a pastor depends in part on the church denomination to which a person belongs. Someone who wants to become a pastor often attends a private seminary to earn a four-year degree in church doctrine, preaching, or other subjects. Churches generally expect a pastor to have at least a bachelor’s degree. A pastor is also able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in a theology-related subject, but this is usually not required. More traditional denominations simply elect a man from the congregation to be their pastor based on recommendations found in the Bible. If the person accepts the duty, he often becomes responsible for serving as the pastor of the church, but if he attends a seminary to obtain a degree it is not a problem.
Seminaries offer college-level courses that will enable a person to become a pastor. Different church denominations often have their own seminaries, which teach their individual version of Christian doctrine. The student generally learns theology, counseling, and sermon preparation. Seminaries are often accredited by the government to provide degrees. Some seminaries choose not to seek accreditation, believing that governments should not have authority over work done for their religion.
Upon completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in seminary, a person can become a pastor. Seminaries often have church placement programs, which will help the new pastor find a church to serve. When a pastor arrives at the new church and settles in, there will usually be a ceremony to allow him to become an ordained leader, or pastor, of the church. If a denomination has many pastors for the churches, the graduate may sometimes choose to serve as a missionary in a new community or even a new country. That person can then start a church from scratch in the new location.
Some mainstream denominations choose to follow the guidance of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 to ordain a minister. Using the guidelines in this passage, church elders select a member to become a pastor. The guidelines include that the man must be married and have children, that he must not be greedy and must have a hospitable character. Once the man accepts the responsibility, he will often be ordained by the church. He then becomes responsible for preaching and ministering to the church. While it is often not necessary in these denominations for a pastor to attend seminary, he still generally chooses to do so for additional training.
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