If there’s one state brimming with passion for Jesus and the salvation he offers, it’s North Carolina.
Home to a state where 77 percent of adults identify as Christian, The Tar Heel State is an oasis of worship. Baptists, Protestants, Catholics, and nondenominational worshippers celebrate the birth of God’s son from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains.
Given the state’s history, it’s not surprising that Christianity has such a strong presence in NC. Before becoming a state, the colony was a home to a wide array of worshippers: Quakers, Anglicans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and others flocked to a colony.
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In this spirit of these traditions, you’ve decided to pursue a life as a minister: Spreading God’s Word and bringing spiritual help to those who need it. You may think “where do I begin?” No worries. We’ve got you covered.
Everything you need to know to learn how to become a pastor in North Carolina can be found right here in this guide.
Steps to Become a Pastor in North Carolina
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in North Carolina
Anyone serious about becoming a pastor should consider obtaining a degree in Christian ministry, pastoral studies, or a similar major. A bachelor’s will prepare you for a life behind the pulpit, educating you on the principles of Christianity, evangelizing, and how to provide pastoral guidance to your congregation.
When browsing majors, you’ll find a lot of crossover between pastoral studies and Christian ministry. While the latter has a greater emphasis on public speaking, the former focuses a bit more on being a steward of Christianity. Here are some classes you could expect to take as a part of these programs:
- Beginning Hebrew and Greek
- Interpreting the New and Old Testaments
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Ministry of Christian Leadership
- Christian Theology
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of North Carolina
After getting your degree, you can begin looking for entry- and mid-level jobs. Start with your own congregation. Even if your pastor doesn’t have an open position, they may know other ministers across the state who are looking for help.
The larger churches will offer administrative positions as well as those focused on religious work. Here are a few examples:
- Youth Pastor: Work with children and teens through the church. Teach them how to live an honest life as a Christian, and set up volunteer opportunities for younger members.
- Worship Pastor: Set the program for Sunday service. What should the pastor discuss? What lessons in the Bible could the community benefit from?
- Associate Pastor: Both religious and administrative in nature, this position allows you to work directly under a lead minister. You’ll not only provide spiritual guidance to the congregation, but also learn how to run the church.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of North Carolina's Many Churches
If you’re looking for a job as a religious worker, start with the largest churches in The Tar Heel State. Large congregations require a lot of manpower to run, so take your chances of finding an open position at one of the megachurches listed below:
- Bay Leaf Baptist Church
- Biltmore Church
- C3 Church
- Calvary Chapel of Cary
- Carmel Baptist Church
- Catalyst Church
- Central Church of God
- Christ Church
- Christ Covenant Church
- Christian Faith Center
- City Church
- Covenant Church
- Covenant Love Church
- Crosspointe Church
- Crossroads Fellowship
- Destiny Church
- Elevation Baptist Church
- Elevation Church
- Evangel Fellowship
- First Baptist Church Indian Trail
- Forest Hill Church
- Gospel Light Baptist Church
- Grace Covenant
- Hickory Grove Baptist Church
- Hope Community Church
- Lake Forest Family of Churches
- Manna Church
- Mark’s Community Church
- Mecklenburg Community Church
- Mid-Way Baptist Church
- Mount Zion Baptist Church
- Mud Creek Baptist Church
- Multiply Church, Concord
- New City Church
- Nexus Church
- Northside Baptist Church
- Northwood Temple Church
- Paul Baptist Church
- Peter’s Church and World Outreach Center
- Port City Community Church
- Providence Church
- Snyder Memorial Baptist Church
- Southbrook Church
- Steele Creek Church
- The Cove Church
- The Park Church
- The Shepherd’s Church
- The Summit Church
- The Village Baptist Church
- Victory Christian Center
- Westover Church
- Winston Salem First
- World Overcomers Christian Church
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in North Carolina
Religious workers in North Carolina, which includes just about any job not classified as a church leadership role, earn an average of $32,830 per year. Those with more experience conducting the important work that keeps the lights on and the doors open in churches across North Carolina make considerably more, with the top 10 percent of religious workers in this state earning $48,770 or more as of 2020.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in North Carolina and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
A Master of Divinity (MDiv) is for those serious about becoming an ordained minister. They typically take four to six years to complete, and require rigorous study of the Bible and Christian principles. You can enroll in these programs at a Seminary, through a private university, or online. Here’s what to expect out of an MDiv program:
- Practical ministerial experience in which you study under a pastor through a residency. The residency may take up to a year to complete.
- An overseas mission in which you’ll perform God’s work in developing countries.
- Exegesis of the Old and New Testaments.
- The history of Christianity, and its development in the modern world.
- The concept of salvation, and its place in the Christian community.
An MDiv isn’t your only option. Any program that empowers you to stand at the pulpit will suit you. Consider your own religious inclinations. If your core focus lies in salvaging the human soul, a Master’s in Transformative Ministry is your best bet. These programs focus on elevating individuals and communities through a commitment to Christ’s teachings.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in North Carolina
What do members of the clergy make in The Tar Heel State? Pastors and other church leaders in North Carolina report earning an average $52,100 a year. Those with larger congregations and more experience could land in the top 10 percent, earning more than $78,620 annually.
What about those in charge of religious services and education? Directors of religious services – including pastors and other church leaders – earn an average of $91,180 annually. Breaking six figures isn’t out of reach, either. The top 10 percent of directors report earning more than $129,180 per year.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in North Carolina
From Charlotte to Raleigh, Wilmington to Winston-Salem, you may find a community in need of God’s Word. The right messaging is everything, and once you have the skills to deliver it, there’s always the option to open up a church of your own.
But where do you start? What legal and financial details do you need to get in order? We’ll take you through the process of opening up a congregation.
File Your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State
Your articles of incorporation legally establish your church in North Carolina. Incorporating isn’t a must, but it insulates yourself, trustees, and any individuals associated with your church from legal action down the line. If the worse were to ever occur, you wouldn’t personally be liable in civil court.
Incorporating also keeps the mission of your church in check. If the goal is to provide a house of worship dedicated to uplifting communities across The Tar Heel State, your trustees will ensure the congregation adheres to that mission.
Within your articles of incorporation, you must specify:
- The name of your congregation, its address, and P.O. Box.
- The name and address of each incorporator (yourself and anyone else in charge of creating the church).
- How the church’s assets will be distributed in the event of its dissolution.
- The names and addresses of any officers (vice president, treasurer, secretary, etc.)
Do You Need a North Carolina Charitable Solicitation License?
Depending on who you speak to, you’ll assume you need to obtain a Charitable Solicitation License from the NC Secretary of State’s office. That isn’t the case. According to North Carolina General Statute 131F-3(1), any person soliciting charitable contributions for a religious institution is exempt from obtaining a Charitable Solicitation License.
However, in order to obtain an exemption, you need to submit a written request to the Secretary of State. In this request, you’ll need to provide documentation proving that you’re running a religious organization. This documentation discloses:
- Your legal name, address, e-mail, phone number
- The purpose of your entity (in your case, to run a house of worship).
- Whether your church will compensate officers, trustees, incorporators, and/or salaried employees.
- A Federal Tax Exemption Determination Letter.
Receive Designation as a Religious Corporation
This will be a key component to obtaining the exemption discussed above. The North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act defines a corporation exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is a “charitable or religious corporation.” As such, you need to acquire your 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
Obtaining your 501(c)(3) Status
First, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS. This allows you to open up a post office box and file tax documents with the IRS.
After receiving your EIN, contact a tax consultant to help you fill out Form 1023. That’s the application for your 501(c)(3) status. Once you receive it, you’ll be able to prove to the North Carolina Secretary of State that you are, indeed, running a religious nonprofit. This will allow you to obtain any state-level tax exemption afforded to religious institutions within the state.
Insure Your Assets
This includes property, auto, and liability. Many of these policies speak for themselves, but you may not see a need for liability insurance. “Would people really try to sue a church?” It’s an unfortunate possibility. If someone gets injured on your property or one of your events, you’ll rest assured knowing your covered for damages.
Elevating God in the Tarheel State
This state has a rich Baptist and Evangelical presence. Whether you’re delivering these messages or your own, there’s no limit to how large God’s love blooms. You can be the water that helps those petals expand.
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.
Christian Colleges in North Carolina
Carolina Christian College
BA in Ministry (campus)
Minors (must choose one as a mandatory part of the BA program):
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Homiletics
- Interdisciplinary Social Science
- Biblical Studies
- Leadership
Master of Religious Education (campus)
- Pastoral Care
- Christian Education
Duke University Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Religious Studies
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus, hybrid)
- Certificate in Anglican Studies
- Certificate in Baptist Studies
- Certificate in Black Church Studies
- Certificate in Christian Education
- Certificate in Faith Food and Environmental Justice
- Certificate in Faith-based Organizing Advocacy and Social Transformation
- Certificate in Gender Sexuality Theology and Ministry
- Certificate in Latinx Studies
- Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies
- Certificate in Missional Innovations
- Certificate in Preaching
- Certificate in Prison Studies
- Certificate in Theology and the Arts
- Certificate in Theology Medicine and Culture
- Certificate in Worship
- MDiv-MSW
- MDiv-Master of Public Policy
Master of Theological Studies-JD
MA in Religious Studies
MA in Christian Practice
- General theological education
- Deacon ordination or congregational leadership
Master of Theological Studies
- Historical Studies
- Biblical Studies
- Theology and Ethics
Master of Theology
- Biblical Studies
- Historical Studies
- Theological Studies
- Ministerial Studies
Gardner-Webb University Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy
BA in Discipleship Studies (campus)
Option to combine with an accelerated MDiv
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership (campus)
BS in Christian Ministries (campus, online)
BA in Christian Studies (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Discipleship Studies
- Missiology
- Philosophical and Theological Studies
- Youth Discipleship
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Pastoral Studies
- Biblical Studies
- Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Missiology
- Intercultural Studies
- MDiv-MBA
- MDiv-Master of English
- MDiv-Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Mdiv-MA in Religion
MA in Religion (campus)
Lenoir-Rhyne University
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus) - Seminary
MA in Christian Ministry (campus)
MA in Religious Leadership (campus)
Mid-Atlantic Christian University Department of Bible and Christian Ministry
BA/BS in Ministry and Biblical Studies (campus)
- Preaching
- Cross-Cultural Ministry
- Counseling
- Family Ministry
- Worship and Music
BA/BS in Youth and Family Ministry and Biblical Studies (campus)
BS in Christian Ministry (campus)
MA in Religious Leadership (campus)
Shaw University Humanities Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies
BA in Christian Ministry (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus) - Divinity School
MA in Christian Education (campus)
MA in Christian Leadership (campus)
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
- Christian Ministry
- Student Ministry
- Christian Ethics
- Biblical Counseling
- Ministry Leadership
- Ministry to Women
- Christian Apologetics
- Advanced Biblical Studies
- Worship Leadership
- Missiology
- North American Church Planting
- International Church Planting Advanced
- Church Revitilization
- MDiv-MBA
MA in Worship Ministry
MA in Biblical Counseling
MA in Christian Education (Bible Counseling)
MA in Church Planting, MA in Ministry Leadership
MA in Ministry to Women
MA in Philosophy of Religion
MA in Biblical and Theological Studies
MA in Biblical Languages
MA in Christian Studies
MA in Ethics Theology and Culture
MA in New Testament
MA in Old Testament
MA in Christian Marriage Family and Individual Counseling
MA in Christian Ministry
MA in Intercultural Studies
MA in Student Ministry
MA in Church Revitalization
MA in Ministry to Women with Biblical Counseling
Wake Forest University
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
Online Christian Universities in North Carolina
Campbell University College of Arts and Sciences
BA in Christian Studies (online, campus)
- Christian Ministry
- General
- Pre-Law
- Youth Ministry
- Option to combine with an MDiv
Bachelor of Music (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Education
- Counseling and Chaplaincy
- Historical and Theological Studies
- Missions and Evangelism
- Music and Worship
- Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
- Option for dual MDiv-MBA
- MDiv-MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Carolina University Piedmont Divinity School
BA in Biblical Studies (online, campus)
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
MA in Biblical Studies (online, campus)
MA in Ministry (online, campus)
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- English
Charlotte Christian College
BA in Biblical Studies (online, campus)
- Bible
- Biblical Languages
- Theology
BA in Urban Christian Ministries (online, campus)
- Christian Education
- Church Planting
- Counseling
- Cross-Cultural Studies
BA in Pastoral Studies (online, campus)
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
- Chaplaincy
- Pastoral Counseling
- General Pastoral Studies
Manna University
BA in Christian Counseling (online, campus, hybrid)
BA in Christian Leadership (online, campus, hybrid)
BA in Worship Studies (online, campus, hybrid)
BA in Divinity (online, campus, hybrid)
Master of Divinity (online, campus, hybrid)
- Chaplaincy (Community)
- Chaplaincy (Military)
- Intercultural Studies
- Pastoral Ministry
MA in Religious Studies (online, campus, hybrid)
MA in Biblical Studies (online, campus, hybrid)
MA in Christian Leadership (online, campus, hybrid)
- Biblical Studies
- Intercultural Studies
- Organizational Leadership
- Worship Ministry
