Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Minnesota

Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Minnesota

The annual average salary for mid-level members of church leadership in Minnesota is $50,670, with the bottom 10% earning just under $30,000 and the top10% earning an annual mean wage of $73,120.

For higher-level leadership positions in church ministry, religious workers in Minnesota earn an average of $54,700, with the bottom 10% earning $23,440 or less and the top 10% earning $100,000 or more.

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

Currently, Minnesota does not have licensing or registration requirements for pastors or other members of clergy, leaving the requirements of church leadership to be set by the church elders and established bylaws of each individual church.

To establish your role in Christian leadership in the state of Minnesota, therefore, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar graduate degree is usually the standard requirement. Much more than a bachelor's degree, a Master of Divinity will provide you with in-depth training and opportunities to study the Bible, refine your knowledge of theology, and prepare you for church leadership and ministry. It is required for almost any church leader in Minnesota as it not only guarantees that you have spent sufficient time and energy studying the Word, it is tangible proof that you have refined the knowledge and skills necessary for church leadership. 

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 Minnesota

For church directors, the annual average salary in Minnesota is $65,240, with the bottom 10% earning $34,600 and the top 10% earning more than $102,350. 

Step 4. Become a Church Planter: Consider Establishing a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Minnesota    

For many, starting a church rather than joining a church is the best way to reach their community. If you are feeling called to plant a church, there are a few things to keep in mind, as well as a few steps that need to be taken. 

First and foremost, starting a church is a long and exhausting process that is filled with ups and downs. Having a strong support system of family and friends is essential, therefore, as they will provide encouragement, council, guidance. 

Then, you will have to establish yourself as a nonprofit in the state of Minnesota.

To be legally recognized as a nonprofit church in Minnesota, there are a few steps that must be followed.

1. Create A Board of Incorporators and Directors. Your board of directors will make up the governing body of your church that may include positions such as a president, secretary, and treasurer. You will need at least three directors and at least one incorporator who will be responsible for signing the Articles of Incorporation for your church.
   
   
2. Secure a Name. Your name must be unique and then reserved at the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office, where you can also check to see if the name you are hoping to use is available.
   
   
3. Apply for a Federal ID Number (EIN). All nonprofits need an EIN as it is the key identifying number for your church, which allows you to open bank accounts and apply for tax-exempt status.
   
   
4. Write and File Articles of Incorporation. This document will officially name your church, provide its location, and define its purpose. It is the legal document that states how your church will be managed. You can find out more by visiting the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act, Section 317A of the Minnesota Statutes, where all laws that govern Minnesota nonprofits are listed. 
   
   Writing your Articles of Incorporation is essential for applying for your 501(c)(3) tax exemption.
   
   To incorporate, you must send your written Articles of Incorporation to the Minnesota Secretary of State, along with $70, if submitting by mail, or $90 if filing for expedited services in-person or online.
   
   Once you have filed your articles, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation from the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office which will include your unique charter number - a number which is only used internally by the Secretary of State.
   
   
5. Create a Business Plan and Budget. Not only is this foundational for a healthy and purposeful church, they are required as part of the narrative section of the IRS Form 1023, Application for Tax-Exemption Status.
   
   
6. Draft Bylaws and Policies. Your bylaws are the governing documents of your church and serve as the foundation for decision making. Section 317A of the Minnesota Statutes is the basis for Minnesota's nonprofit law, so your bylaws should follow their requirements and expectations. As your church grows and learns more about itself and its people, you can amend these bylaws as needed.
   
   Bylaws need to be submitted to the IRS when filing Form 1023 for tax-exempt status.
   
   
7. Hold an Official Meeting: At this meeting, your board of directors will approve the bylaws and appoint church leaders.
   
   
8. Apply for 501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exemption. This section is the most daunting portion of the church planting journey. With an overall estimate of well over 100 hours to complete the process, church leaders are encouraged to hire a professional who is accustomed to the language, process, and criteria of applying for a 501(c)(3).
   
   
9. Apply for Sales Tax Exemption from Minnesota. Submit Form ST16, Application for Nonprofit Exempt Status - Sales Tax through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

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.