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How to Become a Pastor

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Are you thinking about becoming pastor?

Wondering, “How do I become a pastor?”

The process of becoming a pastor varies from denomination to denomination.   Many denominations expect a person to have a master’s degree in biblical studies or a masters of divinity degree before they can be ordained.  However, education is usually just one part of the process of becoming a pastor.

Many denominations have pastoral training programs that include psychological testing, mentoring, internship or vicarage, and more.

If you would like to become a pastor, here are…

5 Steps Towards Becoming a Pastor

1) Pray & seek Godly counsel

We would be remiss if we didn’t recommend starting with prayer and praying throughout the entire process as you seek God’s guidance as to whether to go into the ministry, in what capacity, and when and how to pursue that calling.  It would also be wise to discuss the matter with several other pastors, especially your own pastor, those in your denomination, and those who have entered the ministry in a similar stage of life as you are currently in.

2) Contact your denomination or church network. 

Ask the denomination in which you would like to pastor to provide information about the requirements and process of becoming a pastor in that denomination.  If you feel God is calling you to plant a new church that is not a part of a denomination, it can still be beneficial to partner with a church planting network. You may want to investigate church planting networks and see what sort of pastoral training programs or requirements they have.

3) Ask specifically about the educational requirements. 

While almost all denominations have their own seminaries, many of them accept degrees from other seminaries and bible colleges. Some specific things you should find out:

  • Does your denomination accept degrees from other seminaries and bible colleges?
  • If so, do they have a list of seminaries and bible colleges from which they will accept degrees?
  • Do they have a list of degrees from those seminaries and bible colleges they will accept?
  • What is the cost of their own seminary degree program?
  • What requirements does their seminary degree program for taking classes, exams or seminars on campus?
  • What is the expected workload of their seminary program?

4) Investigate seminary and bible college options. 

If your denomination accepts degrees from other seminaries or bible colleges and their seminary requires classes or exams to be taken on campus, you might find it more convenient and less expensive to opt for a 100% online seminary like Trinity.  If your job, family or ministry situation would make it difficult to keep up with the expected workload of your denomination’s seminary degree program, you might find a self-paced degree program a better option as well.

5) Confirm your plans with your denomination

If you’re leaning towards pursuing a seminary degree with an online seminary like Trinity, talk with an advisor within your denomination. Tell them the degree program you are considering and confirm they will accept the degree.  Discuss the time table for completing your degree as well as going through the other steps in the denomination’s pastoral development program.

Trinity is a trans-denomination seminary.  Through our college of biblical studies, you can earn a masters in biblical studies online or master of divinity online which are almost universally accepted.  If you are thinking and praying about becoming a pastor, complete the “Request More Information” form on the right side of this page, so we can provide all the information you need and answer any questions you may have.

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Trinity Prepared me by Jenn MennBA in Biblical Counseling 2011
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The opportunities at Trinity are world class Paul Robinson2014 Graduate
"I am grateful to God for the good people at Trinity! I was able to complete my degree with much help from the staff and faculty ! Online education has worked well for me simply because of the hustle and bustle of being a Pastor. This experience has allowed me to continue in full time ministry while finishing this degree. As a graduate I would like to encourage each alumni to give back to our school monthly to help them continue to facilitate an awesome quality distance education."
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Quality Distance Education Jeffrey Thompson2014 Graduate
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Centered on the Truth of the Gospel Michael Andam
Centered on the Truth of the Gospel Michael Andam2014 Graduate
"As a recent graduate of Trinity Theological Seminary (August, 2014), with a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling, I feel a responsibility and obligation to heartily recommend Trinity to any aspiring Christian of any age interested in formal education, training and continued preparation to battle for the truths of God’s Word."
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God Has Raised Up Trinity James Roy Dykes, Jr.Founder and Director, Biblical Counseling of Greater Atlanta 2014 Graduate
"I fully advocate Trinity as a university for those who prefer to study by distance and online, whether in the Unite States or abroad. Trinity's courses are demanding, but extremely rewarding in terms of what they teach you and the breadth and depth of understanding that you reach. What you learn will prepare you for ministry and service within the Body of Christ. Trinity is a well-run seminary that is efficient in helping students finish their degree programmes and is kindly flexible with those who may run into difficulties that prevent them from studying as much as they would like. This is truly a Christian college within the great tradition of Christian universities in the United States."
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"My time at Trinity has been both informative and rewarding. I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before. Trinity formats their class schedule to enhance, not hinder, your ministry. I have never had to neglect my church responsibilities in order to finish my degree. It seems strange for someone to NEGLECT their calling in order to be educated FOR their calling. Trinity understands this and has done a great job of helping pastors reach their educational goals without breaking the bank or slowing down the ministry to the local church."
I feel more equipped for ministry than ever before Preston Cave2012 Graduate BA/MA Christian Education
"I originally began studies at Trinity with the purpose of being trained to encourage others in ministry. But I enjoyed the studies so much I continued on. What I appreciate most is how Trinity taught me to be a better student of Scripture. The education I received prepared me for the ministry I am now in. I only wish I would have started sooner. Because of their commitment to excellence in each field of study, I have no hesitation recommending Trinity to prospective students and especially to those who cannot afford the time or cost to attend seminary. I will always be thankful God led me to Trinity."
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Prepared Me for the Ministry Rick Beard2013 Graduate
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The Courses Were Both Informative and Rigorous Graham HarrisCRK. Dip.Th. (Lond), Dip.Th. (Melb), B.A., M. Litt.St.(Qld), M.A. Ph.D. (Col. Pac), M.Phil. (Syd), Doc. R. St, Ph.D.(Trinity)
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Quality Theological EducationJohn Ward
“"My training with Trinity has changed  my outlook in life and enhanced my spirituality in my relationship to God and brothers and sisters in Christ. I realize it has not been easy  to fully comprehend the Word and it is our task to share the richness of the living Word and apply them to everyday life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  My training with Trinity has given me the confidence in sharing the Word and the assurance of being obedient and true to the teachings of the Holy Scripture. I continue to uphold (my Alma Mater) Trinity and all who serve in this remarkable Institute in my prayers as you seek to train successive generations of students in biblical theology. "
Changed my Outlook in Life George Chew
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Enhanced My Research and Educational Skills Vince KernCPA (Ph.D. student in Ministry Leadership)
"As a result of studying under the Trinity program, my knowledge and revelations about God and His Word increased tremendously. I believe that this program equipped me to be more effective in my ability to minister in the field of Christian Education. I look forward to implementing many of the truths, methods and ideas which I have learned into my own ministry setting where I serve."
Knowledge and Revelations Venandee L. HenningtonMinister Tarrant, AL
"The Trinity program enabled me to complete my theological seminary training while in ministry. It also opened the door for a new ministry in the educational field. I found the Trinity program to be academically sound, ministry driven and relevant in application."
Complete Training while in MinistryJames Clark, Pastor, Grace Baptist Church (Grandview, MO)
“I want to take a moment to thank the faculty and staff of Trinity College and Seminary as well for their assistance in training several key staff people at my church, myself included. I was personally able to gain valuable knowledge and spiritual wisdom that has enabled me to become a more effective leader. Regardless of your denominational background, Trinity can help train you for a lifetime of ministry. I wholeheartedly recommend Trinity College and Seminary for everyone.”
Training for a Lifetime Ted Denny
Training for a Lifetime Ted DennySenior Pastor Bethel Baptist Church Palrnyra, Tennessee
"God gave me the wonderful opportunity to study for the ministry through Trinity College of the Bible and Trinity Theological Seminary from which I received five earned degrees. From the very beginning, the Word of God was exalted and my confidence in the Word of God grew stronger. President Dr. Harold Hunter is a dear friend and brother in the Lord. My heart is thrilled to know him personally and that he is leading Trinity to even higher ground!"
Wonderful Opportunity Danny BurnleyD. Min. West Gantt Baptist Church Greenville, South Carolina
"In 1991, I received my Doctor of ministry from Trinity. It opened up a new area of ministry for me. My dissertation was on church and state and after my degree I continued to pursue the topic. As a result of the work I began at the school, I have been invited to speak at several engagements and have written for several national and local newspapers, magazines and web sites. Thanks Trinity."
New area of ministry Don S. WilkeyFirst Baptist Church Onalaska, Texas
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Highly Spiritual Brent LayD. Min. Associate Pastor Englewood Baptist Church Jackson, Tennessee
"I started at Trinity Bible College in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Apologetics. I was a teacher in women’s ministry at my local church, and I felt I needed a better knowledge base from which to guide the women in study. The 4-week course schedule offered by Trinity, along with the two weeks additional time, allowed me to move at a pace that worked well with my career, my family, and my ministry. Upon completing my bachelor’s degree, I was invited to consider going on to complete a master’s degree. The tuition discount offered by Trinity helped make that possible. I graduated from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in 2023 with a Master’s Degree in Bible and Theology. Obtaining this degree has opened up for me greater teaching opportunities and an invitation to join church leadership in women’s ministries. To God be the glory."
Karen Bird Master of Arts in Bible and Theology
Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational, Christian college and seminary, a leader in online degree programs for adult learners who wish to further their Christian education and/or ministry training, but do not wish to leave their families, churches, or communities.

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