Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Arkansas

Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Arkansas

Arkansas desperately needs more people with a basic foundation in the study of Christianity to preach the word of God.

Nearly 67,000 thousand people attend large churches throughout Arkansas, but when you factor in the state’s total population that’s only about 22 out of every thousand people.

Not enough people are hearing the good news. In 2021 drug overdose deaths across the state increased by over 29%, killing on average more than 1.5 people per day according to the CDC. Clearly fulfillment is missing from far too many peoples’ lives. More people need to hear the Lord’s good news, and this is where your calling fits in.

A bachelor’s degree, especially one in a field like pastoral studies or Christian ministry, gives you the foundational tools you need to show people the light. It’s also a requisite step along the way to earning a Master of Divinity.

Undergraduate programs cover key topics like scripture and Biblical history, in addition to important general topics like public speaking, communication, business, and psychology that you’ll use in your every-day pastoral life.

Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Arkansas

Now that you’ve established a baseline qualification with a bachelor’s degree you can look around your local church for job openings where you feel you could make the most impact. Positions like youth pastor, mission assistant, volunteer coordinator, or community minister are good starting points.

Working your way up to mid-level positions in a professional environment with your fellow brothers and sisters is a hugely important step towards eventually becoming a senior pastor.

As a pastor you’re working with people to spread the word of God. If you want to do that effectively you have to know the people you’re preaching to: their habits, their needs, their weaknesses, and their strengths.

For example, Cross Church based in Springdale has a community outreach program that provides food for people struggling to make ends meet in Northern Arkansas. Brand New Church with locations in Harrison and Farmington sponsors mission trips to help communities in Guatemala. Family Church with locations in White Hall, Redfield, and Pine Bluff sponsors programs for adults struggling with divorce or addiction.

You can never have too much experience, but as you advance up the career ladder, you’ll inevitably hit a ceiling where higher positions favor a higher level of education.

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be equipped to get your foot in the door for roles that will have you taking on more and more leadership responsibilities at your local church.