Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Kentucky

Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Kentucky and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership

Currently, there are no licensing or registration requirements for pastors or other members of clergy in the state of Kentucky. The requirements are therefore set by the church elders and established bylaws of each individual church.

To be considered and established as a church leader however, most churches - especially the larger, more prominent ones, will require a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or another similar graduate degree.

In addition to your undergrad degree and years of experience, a graduate degree will provide you a more in-depth understanding of the Bible, theology, ministry, and service. It will establish in you a firm foundation from which you can build your leadership vision, mission, and tangible actions. 

An MDiv program typically takes three to four years to complete and can be earned either online, in person, or a combination of the two.

Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Kentucky

Pastors and other members of clergy in church leadership roles in Kentucky earn an average of $53,510, with the top 10% earning more than $79,280. 

The average salary for church directors and those in other administrative roles in Kentucky is $49,540, with the top 10% earning $95,700 or more. 

Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Kentucky   

For many, instead of joining an already established church, there is a calling to start their own ministry. If you are one of those people, if you feel called to serve your community with a new and unique church, there are a few things to consider. 

First and foremost is the support and encouragement from family and friends. The second is the legal requirements of Kentucky for starting and establishing your own church. 

To be legally recognized as an established church in Kentucky, there are a few steps that must be followed.

1. Name your church. In order to incorporate your church with the state you will need a name that is unique and that does not conflict with other organizations and churches. You can check name availability in Kentucky here.
2. Name Incorporators and Directors. The incorporator is responsible for signing the Articles of Incorporation while the directors are in charge of governing your church. You will need at least one incorporator and at least three directors in order to comply with the IRS and Kentucky requirements.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent. Your registered agent is responsible for receiving all legal notices on behalf of your church. They must have a physical address in Kentucky and have an office that is open during regular business hours.
4. File Articles of Incorporation. This document will officially identify the existence of your church in Kentucky and allow you to apply for 501(c)(3) exemption.
5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Your EIN is a unique, nine-digit number that the IRS will assign, identifying your church as a nonprofit. You will use this number to open bank accounts, apply for 501(c)(3) status, and when submitting your 990 tax returns to the IRS.
6. Create Bylaws and Policies. Your bylaws are your governing documents and serve as the basis for all decision making for the church. You will also need to create a conflict of interest policy which ensures all decisions are made with the interest of the church at heart, not any one individual. Your 501(c)(3) application will require that both your bylaws and conflict of interest policy have been approved and adopted by your church board of directors.
7. Hold an Official Meeting: This meeting must include your board of directors who will need to approve the bylaws, adopt the conflict of interest, and elect and appoint church leaders. 
8. Apply for 501(c)(3) exemption. This is perhaps the most daunting portion of the church planting journey. Church leaders are often encouraged to hire a professional who is accustomed to the language, process, and criteria of applying for a 501(c)(3) as it not only includes a great deal of very specific language, it can take well over 100 hours to complete.
9. Register for Fundraising. Depending on the size of your church - and your vision - you may need to register in multiple states. First and foremost, however, you must register for charitable solicitation with the state of Kentucky at the Office of the Attorney General. You must then register all soliciting donations thereafter on an annual basis.

2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job market trends for Religious Workers, Church Directors, and Clergy based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.