How to Become a Pastor

Pastors serve as spiritual leaders, helping others grow in their relationship with God and their community. Specific responsibilities may vary depending on the church or ministry setting, common duties include:

• Preaching and teaching the Bible
• Leading worship services and sacraments
• Overseeing church administration and programs
• Mentoring individuals and small groups
• Engaging in community outreach and global missions

Pastors work in a wide variety of settings – from local congregations to mission organizations, college campuses, hospitals, and even the military. 

Step 1. Discern Your Calling

The first step toward becoming a pastor is the decision to lead. Many people who work in ministry describe a deep, personal sense that they’re being called to this vocation. If you’re unsure, then you can go through a process of discerning if this is the correct path for you. This process often involves:

• Prayerful reflection and Scripture reading
• Conversations with mentors, pastors, and spiritual leaders
• Active involvement in a local church or ministry
• Observing how God uses your gifts in service to others

Discerning your call isn’t something you have to do alone. At PBA, students are supported by a community of faculty, mentors, and peers who help them grow spiritually as they seek clarity and purpose.

Step 2. Earn a Ministry-Focused Degree

While some churches may allow lay leaders to serve without formal education, many pastoral roles strongly encourage a college or seminary degree. A ministry-focused education provides biblical and theological foundations, practical ministry training, and spiritual development.

At Palm Beach Atlantic University, students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare them for full-time ministry:

• B.A. in Ministry
• B.A. in Biblical Studies
• B.A. in Intercultural Studies
• B.A. in Christian History and Thought
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
• Master of Arts in Christian Studies

Each program integrates academia with a biblical worldview, preparing students to lead with a variety of ministry contexts.

Step 3. Gain Hands-On Ministry Experience

Practical experience is a crucial part of preparing for pastoral ministry. Experience can be gained through internships, service opportunities, supervised ministry, mission work, and so much more. This allows aspiring pastors develop leadership skills and learn to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

At PBA, students benefit from:

• Local church internships and ministry practicums
• Campus ministry opportunities, including chapel leadership and discipleship groups
• Global mission trips and community engagement through Workship, PBA’s service-learning initiative

These experiences allow students to explore different areas of ministry

Step 4. Consider Ordination

Ordination is the formal process by which a church or denomination recognizes and affirms someone’s calling to pastoral ministry. Requirements vary by tradition but may include:

• Earning a relevant degree (such as an M.Div.)
• Meeting with a board of elders or ordination council
• Submitting written statements of faith and personal calling
• Completing an internship or supervised ministry experience
• Passing interviews or examinations

If you are part of a specific denomination, it’s helpful to learn their ordination requirements early in your journey. PBA faculty and advisors can guide you as you pursue both academic and spiritual preparation for ordination.

Pastoral ministry requires both character and competency. In addition to biblical knowledge and ministry training, pastors should have:

• Strong communication and preaching skills
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Servant leadership and humility
• Sound theological understanding
• Cross-cultural awareness and adaptability
• Integrity and moral character

Pastors are often called to support people through life’s difficult and wonderful moments – offering presence, hope, and wisdom when needed.

A degree in ministry opens doors to a wide range of vocational paths, both inside and outside the church. Possible roles include:

• Lead or associate pastor
• Youth or children’s pastor
• Worship pastor
• Church planter or missionary
• Hospital or military chaplain
• Nonprofit or campus ministry leader

Seminary or Bible college professor (with advanced study)

At Palm Beach Atlantic University, we believe ministry education should be both academically excellent and deeply spiritual. Our programs are rooted in Scripture, led by experienced faculty who care about your calling, and shaped by a vibrant spiritual community that encourages growth.

If you feel called to pastoral ministry, we’re here to walk with you as you prepare to lead and serve with purpose.

Explore our ministry programs and begin your journey at Palm Beach Atlantic University.