Even with the sun, beach, and vibrant multicultural cities, a Floridian walking without Christ is walking alone. Those who know Jesus know a deep sense of fulfillment that’s so inspiring they yearn to share it with others.
Being a pastor is about walking both these roads: leading the celebration of Christ with your fellow congregation while also bringing God’s light to those who are blind to it.
32 years ago in Orlando, pastor Alex Clattenburg heard the calling to serve the Lord through ministry and decided to do something about it. He got the word out through the local community that he wanted to bring people together under his leadership to celebrate the Lord Christ.
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The day came for his first service, and without a church of his own he rented a space at the Orlando Museum of Art. To his amazement 250 showed up, eager to come together and sing the Lord’s praises.
Today, Pastor Clattenburg’s Church in the Son has grown to be the home of 18 pastors who minister to a congregation that’s over 2,000 strong. He heard God’s call and followed.
If you’re hearing a similar call then it’s time align your life to respond.
Becoming a pastor in Florida is a journey that involves education, experience, commitment, and dedication.
It’s a challenge to respond to God’s calling, and it starts with getting the right education.
Follow these simply steps to find out how to become a pastor in Florida:
Steps to Become a Pastor in Florida
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Florida
Anyone can read the Bible and come up with their own interpretations. It’s quite different to be able to explain Biblical stories in their historical context and to understand the root meanings of words in their original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.
This is the difference between a person with no formal academic training, and someone with a bachelor’s degree in a field like Christian ministry or pastoral studies. It’s night and day; it’s a difference that’s apparent when you interact with the person, and it’s a difference that church leaders recognize when they’re looking to fill entry and mid-level positions within a congregation.
A relevant bachelor’s program is more than just Biblical history and languages. It also covers important skills and topics you’ll reference every day in the future as a pastor. Examples of just some of the relevant bachelor’s programs offered at schools in Florida include:
- Bible and theology
- Biblical studies
- Christian counseling
- Christian education
- Ministerial studies
- Ministry leadership
In addition to giving you a solid academic foundation to work from, a bachelor’s degree is also a standard requirement for entry into Master of Divinity programs.
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, you’ll be equipped to take the knowledge you’ve gained and apply it in the field as you spread God’s word. This could be presenting at a Men’s or Women’s group at your local church about drug addiction or grieving. Between September 2020 and September 2021 the CDC forecast a total of 7,917 drug overdose deaths in Florida.
You’ll find no shortage of ways to minister God’s light to your fellow human beings, and this will give you valuable experience along your way to becoming a pastor.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Florida
More relevant job opportunities open up once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree. At this point you’ll want to maximize your experience working with people; to hone your interpersonal skills. This is a vital skill you need to develop if you want to be an effective pastor.
To work as a student activities coordinator at Christ Fellowship Church, an organization that has 12 branches throughout Florida, you need to be a college graduate or at least be in the process of completing your degree. A preference is given to candidates with a degree in a ministry-related field. To work as an associate director of missions you need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Likewise, being a worship leader requires an undergraduate degree.
King Jesus in Miami’s testimony administrator position is responsible for coordinating key testimony content for ministry-wide events, productions, and projects. This position requires applicants to have at least an associate’s degree or an equivalent amount of experience and education. Working as a project manager at King Jesus requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
How Virtual Technology Has Changed the Job Description for Pastors
Until recently, the work of a pastor was primarily local in nature, engaging in face-to-face contexts with congregants and focusing on the specific concerns and perspectives of those living in a shared community. While this is still an important part of clerical work, in today’s hyper-connected world, there are many exciting ways that the role of a pastor has expanded. For starters, clergy can now use technology to reach a broader audience, whether by live-streaming their sermons, creating podcasts, and even creating their own content specifically to inspire, teach, and spread their message to those even outside of their direct communities.
Technology also makes it easier to connect directly with those in need. Pastors who have a strong online presence may reach individuals who are searching for religion in their lives but do not have direct in-person access to faith-based organizations. Digital communications technology enables easy access to religious leaders, who can now hold personal appointments virtually. It also can facilitate introductions between pastors at a variety of churches, who can educate and inspire one another and build new approaches to Christian leadership. From deepening their understanding of scripture to planning inter-organization events and initiatives, technology has proven to be a powerful tool in bolstering and expanding church practices.
Finally, technology spares religious leaders a significant amount of administrative work that used to slow down the most meaningful aspect of their work. By automating these processes, pastors can focus on the meat of their work and gain the quick insights they need about their congregations (such as attendance numbers, the success of giving initiatives, and more). This is a huge convenience for those who would like to focus on the spiritual and hands-on parts of their job description.
These are just a few of the ways that virtual technology has transformed the pastoral profession, and the coming years are all but certain to provide even more new ways to connect with others and spread the faith. If you are an aspiring pastor with your finger on the pulse of new technological innovations, this can be an exciting way to bring your faith-based work into the present day.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Florida's Many Churches
As you gain more experience at your local church, you’ll have more career possibilities to consider. Churches large and small in Florida are staffed with junior members of clergy and support staff that include:
- Associate pastor
- Student pastor
- Associate volunteer minister
- Christian educator
- Associate children's minister
- Liturgy coordinator
Some of the largest Christian organizations in the state may be looking to fill these types of positions right now:
- Abundant Living Ministries of Pembroke Pines in Pembroke Pines
- Alpha and Omega Church in Miami
- Anastasia Baptist Church in Saint Augustine
- Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens
- Bay Life Church in Brandon
- Bayside Community Church in Bradenton
- Beach United Methodist Church in Jacksonville Beach
- Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon
- Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville
- Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee
- Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater
- Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale
- Calvary Chapel Kendall in Miami
- Calvary Chapel of Melbourne in West Melbourne
- Calvary Chapel of Saint Petersburg in Pinellas Park
- Calvary Christian Center in Ormond Beach
- Campus Church in Pensacola
- Celebration Church in Jacksonville
- Christ Church United Methodist Church in Fort Lauderdale
- Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach
- Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens
- Christ Fellowship in Palmetto Bay
- Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables
- Christ Life Center in Miami
- Christ the Rock Community Church in Copper City
- Christian Heritage Church in Tallahassee
- Christian Life Center in Fort Lauderdale
- Christ's Church in Jacksonville
- Church at the Springs in Ocala
- Church by the Glades in Coral Springs
- Church in the Son in Orlando
- Church of All Nations in Boca Raton
- Church of Hope in Sarasota
- City of Life Church in Kissimmee
- Community Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale
- Community Christian Church in Tamarac
- Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale
- Countryside Christian Center in Clearwater
- Cristo Mi Redentor in West Palm Beach
- Discovery Church in Orlando
- East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola
- Faith Assembly of God in Orlando
- Faith Christian Center in Jacksonville
- Faithworld in Orlando
- Family Worship Center in Lakeland
- First Assembly of God in Fort Myers
- First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland
- First Baptist Church in Brandon
- First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach
- First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale
- First Baptist Church in Jacksonville
- First Baptist Church in Naples
- First Baptist Church in Panama City
- First Baptist Church in Plant City
- First Baptist Church of Central Florida in Orlando
- First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks in Largo
- First Baptist Church of Mandarin in Jacksonville
- First Baptist Church of Melbourne in Melbourne
- First Baptist Church of Orlando in Orlando
- First Baptist Church of Oviedo in Oviedo
- First Presbyterian Church of Orlando in Orlando
- First United Methodist Church in Niceville
- Generations Christian Church in Trinity
- Grace Church in Cape Coral
- Grace Family Church in Lutz
- Grace Fellowship in West Palm Beach
- Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church in Gulf Breeze
- Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz
- Iglesia Cristiana Segadores De Vida in Hollywood
- Iglesia El Calvario Assembly of God in Orlando
- King Jesus International Ministry in Miami
- La Catedral del Pueblo in Miami
- Life Center Church in Eatonville
- LifePoint Community Church in Tampa
- McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers
- Meadowbrook Church in Ocala
- Miami Vineyard Community Church in Miami
- Ministerio Internacional El Rey Jesus in Miami
- Ministry leadership Northstar Church in Panama City
- Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale
- Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale
- New Birth Baptist Church in Miami
- New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando
- New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka
- New Dimensions Christian Center in Pensacola
- New Life Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville
- Northland A Church Distributed in Longwood
- Oasis Church in Pembroke Pines
- Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola
- Potential Church in Cooper City
- Potter's House Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville
- Primeira Igreja Batista Brasileira in Pompano Beach
- Real Life Christian Church in Clermont
- Revealing Truth Ministries in Tampa
- Saint Lukes United Methodist Church in Orlando
- Saint Marks Episcopal Church in Jacksonville
- Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville
- South Biscayne Baptist Church in North Port
- South Florida Church of Christ in Davie
- Spanish River Church in Boca Raton
- Summit Church in Estero
- Summit Church in Orlando
- Sweet Home Missionary Baptist in Miami
- The Church Group Worldwide in Jacksonville
- The Crossing Church in Tampa
- The Faith Center Ministries in Sunrise
- The Family Church in Gainesville
- The Pentecostals of Cooper City in Cooper City
- Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach
- Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville
- Trinity Church in Miami
- Trinity Church International in Lake Worth
- Van Dyke United Methodist Church in Lutz
- Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel
- Victory Church in Lakeland
- Village View Community Church in Summerfield
- Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville
- Winners Church in West Palm Beach
- Without Walls International Church in Tampa
- Woodland - The Community Church in Bradenton
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Florida
Looking at entry-level Christian jobs, in 2020 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Florida's religious workers earned the sixth-highest average annual salary in the nation at $48,440.
Representing careers in mid-level leadership roles, the Bureau reported that directors of religious activities and education earned an average of $45,420 in 2022 while those in the 90th percentile earned more than $72,600.
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Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Florida and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
There's a professional ceiling to ministry with a bachelor's degree. Earning a Master of Divinity will break through that ceiling. It fulfills the education requirement for becoming a minister for select Christian denominations, and opens up new professional opportunities regardless.
A Master of Divinity is a specialized educational program that has on-campus options for those with a more open schedule, and online options for graduate students who are busy in jobs at their local houses of worship.
MDiv programs can be offered as stand-alone degrees or with concentrations. On-campus concentrations offered by Florida schools include:
- Philosophy of religion
- Bible translation
- Intercultural studies
- Business
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Leadership
Graduating with a Master of Divinity represents an exciting milestone on your road to becoming a pastor.
With an MDiv, you’ll have the experience and education you need to launch the career you’ve been called to.
It’s time to apply for ordination at your local church.
At this stage you’re ready to apply for positions like:
- Lead pastor
- Executive pastor
- Missions and outreach pastor
- Worship director
- Senior pastor or minister
- Executive director
- Senior adult pastor
- Women's ministry pastor
- Missions specialist
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Florida
Pastors and other Christian leaders in Florida earned an average salary of $54,480 in 2022. With more experience, the top ten percent earned more than $93,550.
At the city level, the US Department of Labor reports that pastors and other church leaders in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area earned an average salary of $56,220 in 2022. Of all metro areas in the nation this represents the seventh-highest average salary for clergy.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Florida
Churches across Florida have vibrant ecosystems. But God compels some of His pastors to operate outside the existing structure; God calls some to plant their own church.
If you’re in this category then your calling is particularly challenging, especially in light of the strong impact you can have on your local community.
But as God calls on you to found your own church, this calling comes with a note of patience.
Registering your own church in Florida means you’ll need to go through a state and federal process to obtain a tax-exempt status.
To start, you’ll need to go through the state-level process which means:
- You need to choose a name for your church and confirm that it isn’t already in use with the Florida Department of State (DOS).
- File Articles of Incorporation for your church with the Florida DOS. This should include details about the bylaws of your church (such as how directors are elected), its incorporator (the person who originally established the church; this is likely you), its directors (Florida requires at least three people to be named), and its registered agent (the person who deals with your church’s legal documents). Later you’ll also have to file these with the IRS so it’s helpful if you structure your Articles to also fulfill IRS requirements.
- At the end of each year your church will need to file an annual report with the Florida DOS.
- If your church plans to accept donations then you need to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Under most circumstances your church is automatically exempt from corporate income tax if it is granted federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization status by the IRS.
To register your church as a federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the IRS you need to:
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) using an SS-4 Form.
- Submit a Form 1023 to the IRS ($275 fee); this is your official application for non-profit 501(c)(3) status.
- Include your Articles of Incorporation and a Declaration of Trust with Form 1023.
Once you have the important paperwork out of the way you can focus on ministry, concentrating on the needs of your congregation and how to maximize spiritual well-being.
At this point your journey of becoming a pastor has been realized, only to signify the beginning of a new journey: that of serving as a pastor. Congratulations!
2022 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 July 2023.
Christian Colleges in Florida
Barry University Department of Theology and Philosophy
BA in Theology (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
MA in Pastoral Ministry for Hispanics (campus)
MA in Practical Theology and Ministry (campus)
Other areas:
Master of Ministry (campus)
Master of Christian Education (campus)
Master of Theology (campus)
Faith Theological Seminary and Christian College
Bachelor of Theology (campus)
Bachelor of Ministry (campus)
Bachelor of Christian Education (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
Hope Sound Bible College
BA in Ministerial Studies (campus)
Johnson University Florida
Major in Bible and Theology (campus)
Major in Ministry Leadership (campus)
Major in Missions (campus)
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership (campus)
MA in New Testament (campus)
Master of Strategic Ministry (campus)
Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
MA in Philosophical Studies for Missionary Discipleship (campus)
MA in Theological Studies (campus)
The Baptist College of Florida Theological Division
BA in Christian Studies (campus)
BA in Ministry Studies (campus)
BA in Missions (campus)
MA in Christian Studies (campus)
University of Fort Lauderdale College of Religious Studies
BS in Ministry (campus)
- Christian Counseling
- Ministry
- Theology
- Christian Education
Master of Divinity (campus)
MS in Pastoral Counseling (campus)
Online Christian Universities in Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Ministry
BA in Biblical and Theological Studies (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Biblical Languages
BA in Intercultural Studies (campus)
- Christian Community Development
BA in Ministry Leadership Studies (campus)
- Children's Ministries
- Pastoral Ministries
- Student Ministries
BA in Christian Studies (online)
BA in Ministry (online)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Concentration in Bible Translation
- Concentration in Intercultural Studies
- Concentration in Philosophy of Religion
- MDiv + MA in Intercultural Studies
- MDiv + MA in Philosophy of Religion
- MDiv + MBA
- MDiv + MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- MDiv + MS in Leadership
Other areas:
MA in Christian Studies (campus)
MA in Philosophy of Religion (campus)
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
BA in Biblical and Theological Studies (online, campus)
BA in Christian Counseling (online, campus)
- Clinical Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy
BA in Ministry and Leadership (online, campus)
- Family Ministries
- Missions
- Pastoral Ministry
BA in Ministry and Leadership (online, campus)
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
Other areas:
MA in Biblical Studies (online, campus)
MA in Christian Counseling (online, campus)
MA in Pastoral Counseling (online, campus)
Master of Theology (online, campus)
- Family Ministries
- Missions
- Pastoral Ministry
Southeastern University Barnett College of Ministry & Theology
BS in Practical Ministries (campus)
BS in Children Youth and Family Ministries (campus)
BA in Worship Ministries (campus)
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BS in Multidisciplinary Studies (campus)
BS in Ministerial Leadership (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Ministry
- Humanitarian Ministry
- Pastoral Care & Counseling
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
Other areas:
MA in Ministerial Leadership-Executive (online, campus)
MA in Biblical Studies (online, campus)
MA in Theological Studies (online, campus)
MA in Family Ministry (online, campus)
MA in Ministerial Leadership (online, campus)
St. Thomas University
BA in Religious Studies (online, campus)
MA in Ministry and Leadership (online, campus)
Trinity College of Florida
BA in Bible and Theology (campus)
BA in Advanced Theological Studies (campus)
BA in Business Organizational Leadership (online)
- Church Management Administration
BA in Ministry (online)
- Intercultural Studies
- Pastoral Ministry
- Worship Ministry
- Youth Ministry
BS in Organizational Leadership (campus)
- Trinity Quest
- Church Management Administration
BS in Christian Ministry (campus)
