Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Georgia

Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Georgia

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgians holding entry-level and non-leadership positions in churches throughout the state (such as secretaries, worship coordinators, video-media designers…) earn an annual average salary of $33,930, with the highest 10 percent earning $50,000 a year or more.

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

Apply to a Master's Program

Once you have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, you may then apply for admittance into a Master of Divinity degree program.

Although the requirements may vary from school to school, the typical expectations of MDiv students is that you complete the program within 10 years.

Gain Experience

Alongside your classes, you will be expected to gain experience in your related field. Serving or working in your local church will not only satisfy the degree requirements, it will provide you hands-on experiences in the ministry field as well as references for future employment opportunities. Ways and opportunities in which you can serve in your local church are listed above.

Alongside your classes, this is perhaps the most important part of your leadership journey. Knowing your Bible and theology is important for church leadership, but living it out with the church and surrounding community is even more important. How you lead without the official pastor or minister title will say a great deal about you and will be the foundation for future leadership opportunities.

Become Ordained

Georgia does not have any state licensing requirements for ministers. To become ordained is a quick and easy process. Simply choose a recognized ministry that you wish to join, review and satisfy the requirements of that organization, and apply online. Once you have your certificate, provide a physical copy to your local county clerk.

Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Georgia

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average salary for a clergy member in Georgia is $51,100, with the top ten percent earning over $80,000.

The annual wage for a religious director in Georgia is $57,450, with the top 10 percent earning over $90,000.

These salaries can be incomplete, however, in that churches will often provide a variety of added benefits, such as housing, vehicles, a paid sabbatical, and more. These are not guaranteed, however, and will look different from church to church, depending on the size, the vision and mission, and community.

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

Joining an already established church has its benefits. So too does starting your own. Not only are you able to redesign and recreate how church will look, from day to day operations to Sunday (or Saturday) services, becoming a church planter allows you an opportunity to adapt to the times and unique culture and community you are trying to reach.

If this is something that interests you, there are a few steps you must follow in order to legally comply with the state of Georgia.

Submit an Article of Incorporation

In order to be a recognized church or ministry you first need a name. Then check Georgia's secretary of state office and make sure the name is not already in use. If not, move forward! If so, back to the drawing board.

Once your name is solidified, draft and file your articles of incorporation with the secretary of state. Your articles of incorporation must include the name of your church, your purpose and dissolution statements (a statement explaining what you will do with your assets, should your church or organization dissolve), and recruit the appropriate people. You will need at least one incorporator (the person who signs the articles of incorporation), three unrelated directors (board members), and an appointed registered agent who will maintain regular business hours and be responsible for receiving legal notices on the church/ministry's behalf.

As you draft your document, be mindful of both Georgia State and IRS language requirements.

Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (F.E.I.N.) from the IRS

This number is your tax identification number, allowing you to open bank accounts for your church or ministry which in turn allows you to receive donations and spend money separate from your own account.

Once you have your Federal Employee Number, and before you open your bank account, you will need to apply for tax-exempt status, or 501(c)(3) – see below, in step 5.

Create Bylaws for your Church or Ministry

Bylaws are the foundation for your church's First Amendment right, allowing your freedom and separation from public accommodation laws such as same-sex marriage, transgender laws, etc.

Bylaws are living and breathing, meaning they must be updated regularly so as to remain relevant and purposeful. As the laws in legislation change, so to must the bylaws.

Establish Policies and Procedures

While bylaws set the structure of the rules, policies and procedures are the fleshing out of those rules. They help govern the day-to-day activities and decisions for the church leaders, keeping your organization in line with their vision and mission as well as in compliance with the IRS.

These policies and procedures include, but are not limited to: