Illinois is more than the Land of Lincoln or the home of the bustling hub of industry and finance that is Chicago. It is a diverse place with communities built around small industrial cities, lush farmlands, and a deep history of indigenous cultures and early French explorers. It is a state rich in natural resources, beauty, and religion.
According to Pew Research, almost half (43%) of all Illinois residents are Protestant while 28% are Roman Catholic, and 22% claim no religion at all. Of the non-Christian groups, Islam is the predominate Abrahamic faith with over 360,000 adherents, making up the largest concentration of Muslims found anywhere in the country.
Becoming a pastor in Illinois, therefore, requires not only a deep commitment to understanding your unique church and community, it asks that you be aware and sensitive to the beliefs, history, and perspectives of the surrounding communities as well.
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If you are interested in pursuing a life of service in Illinois, if you hope to learn more about the Word of God, the people He came to save, and the life He has called us to live, earning a degree in Christian ministry and becoming a pastor in Illinois just might be the path for you.
The steps in this guide will show you exactly how to become a pastor in Illinois, to lead a thriving congregation, or even start a church of your own. You will also discover that you are surrounded by a crowd of witnesses who are eager for you to join them in their mission of proclaiming Christ and serving others.
Steps to Become a Pastor in Illinois
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Illinois
For a pastor in Illinois, having a broad understanding of the various communities, cultures, and ways of life is not only beneficial, it is critical. Illinois continues to celebrate its wonderful diversity, with a full 40% of residents identifying as non-white according to the US Census Bureau. It is also a land of vastly unique communities and ways of life with small-towns such as Woodstock, Princeton, and Nauvoo dotted throughout the larger rural counties such as Cook, Kankakee, Champaign, and Madison. To convict the hearts and minds of the people here in Illinois, you must not only understand the scriptures, you must be able to personally and authentically convey scriptural teachings to those who fill the pews, and apply that knowledge in counseling them through difficult times.
To become a pastor in Illinois, you will need to meet the qualifications of the church you serve. The journey often starts with a Christian-centered bachelor’s degree in theology, pastoral studies, ministry, or Biblical studies.
A Christ-focused undergraduate degree will build your foundational understanding of the scriptures as well as provide you the opportunity to pursue the graduate degree most churches will expect their lead pastor to hold. That graduate degree usually takes the form of a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or other similar master's in Christian ministry.
Starting with a Christian-centered bachelor's degree will also strengthen the many other job-related skills required of a pastor, such as written and oral communication, business management, problem solving, and more.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Illinois
“We don't come with all the answers,” Pastor Philip Miller of The Moody Church in Chicago said shortly after he was hired, “we come with lots of questions and with servants' hearts, willing to say, ‘What do we need to learn? What do we need to grow in?'” This sentiment can be shared among all pastors who are eager to serve the people and churches of Illinois.
All throughout Illinois there are opportunities to serve. From the Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora, The Salvation Army Bloomington Safe Harbor Shelter, and the Good Samaritan House located in Granite City, there are people and organizations who need help feeding and clothing the less fortunate.
There are also churches such as Christ Church, located in Lake Forest that had the ambitious goal of providing 100,000 volunteer hours by the year 2020, which they met! And they're not done yet. They, like many churches throughout Illinois, are providing a variety of opportunities for you to serve, through construction, educational and vocational services, food donations and distribution, justice and reconciliation support, or by providing encouragement to students and families in under-resourced communities.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Illinois's Many Churches
Earning a degree is essential to becoming a pastor, but so too is gaining experience. Be it from working in a local church or volunteering in a variety of ministries, gaining experience in the day-to-day operations, serving and supporting people in need, and gaining an understanding of the various people groups within Illinois will allow you to grow and develop as a church leader.
Throughout Illinois, there is a variety of churches and ministries who need support. Some of the larger churches in Illinois include:
- Calvary Temple in Springfield
- Central Christian Church in Mt Vernon
- Christ Church in Fairview Heights
- Christ Church of Oak Brook in Oak Brook
- Crossroads Community Church in Freeport
- Eastview Christian Church in Normal
- Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago
- Heartland Community Church in Rockford
- Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin
- Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip
- Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park
- New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson
- New Life Community Church in Chicago
- Northwoods Community Church in Peoria
- Rockford First in Rockford
- The Chapel in Libertyville
- The Compass Church in Naperville
- Valley Kingdom Ministries International in South Holland
- Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook
- Village Church of Gurnee in Gurnee
- Willow Creek Community Church in Hoffman Estates
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Illinois
The annual average salary for non-clergy Christian church jobs in Illinois is $34,390, with an hourly pay of $16.53. The bottom 10% earn just over $23,000 while the top 10% earn $55,000 or more, depending on the size and location of the church or ministry.
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Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Illinois and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
Illinois does not have any licensing or registration requirements for pastors or other members of clergy, so the requirements are set by church elders and the bylaws in place for individual churches. In some cases, educational standards and other requirements might be customary for certain denominations, but most of the time it’s the individual church itself that establishes the criteria for Christian leadership roles.
The Master of Divinity (MDiv), or other similar graduate degree, is the most common educational standard across all denominations. This degree provides you a more in-depth understanding of the Bible and theology as well as practical and purposeful skills and practices for leading a church.
A Master of Divinity program will prepare you for church leadership, walking you through an exploration of cultural context, religious heritage, personal and spiritual formation, and the capacity for ministerial and public leadership.
An MDiv program typically takes three to for years to complete and can be earned either online, in person, or through a combination of both on-campus and remote learning.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is one of the higher paying states for pastors, with an annual average salary of $57,560. The top 10% enjoy a more generous salary, earning more than $81,150.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Illinois
Instead of joining a church, you might feel lead or called to start one of your own. And for many, this simply means gathering together with a group of like-minded people, offering prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings, and enjoying fellowship and community.
For others, however, the vision is larger with an actual church building that has the capacity and availability to serve and provide for its local community. In which case, the process of establishing a church is a bit more completed.
To be a legally recognized as an established church in Illinois, there are a few steps that must be followed.
State Requirements:
- The Religious Corporation Act of Illinois states that, any church, congregation or society established for the purpose of religious worship, may become incorporated in the following manner:
- Electing and appointing two or more members as trustees, wardens and vestrymen
- Adopt a corporate name
- Have the chairman or secretary of the meeting make and submit to the office of the recorder in the county which the church abides, an affidavit that follows the form provided on the Religious Corporation Act website (chapter 32, par. 165).
Federal Requirements:
- Obtain a Federal Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS. This is a unique, nine-digit number that identifies your church as a nonprofit organization and will be required to open bank accounts, file your 501(c)(3), and submit your 990 returns. You can apply online, at no cost.
- Establish bylaws. Bylaws are the policies you will use to run and operate your church and establish your conflict-of-interest policy. These must be approved and adopted before submitting your 501(c)(3) application.
- Establish an incorporator. An incorporator is someone who can sign the Articles of Incorporation for your church and is required in order to file for 501(c)(3) status.
- Submit 501(c)(3) application. This crucial document identifies your church as a nonprofit, exempting you from federal income tax. This document also allows your church to provide doners with tax-deductible documentation. This is perhaps the most detailed and arduous stage of the process. Individuals submitting a 501(c)(3) are often encouraged to hire a professional as the language and paperwork can take over 100 hours to complete.
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 Illinois
Catholic Theological Union at Chicago
Master of Divinity (campus)
Other areas:
MA in Pastoral Studies (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
MA in Ministry (campus)
MA in Hispanic Theology and Ministry (campus)
Concordia University-Chicago College of Theology, Arts and Humanities
BA in Deaconess Studies (campus)
BA in Pre-Seminary (campus)
BA in Theological Languages (campus)
BA in Theology (campus)
MA in Religion-Deaconess Certification (campus)
Dominican University Department of Theology
BA in Theology (campus)
- Pastoral Ministry
Greenville College
BA in Theology (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Ministry
BS in Worship Arts (campus)
- Pastoral Musician
- Music Director
Judson University
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry (campus)
BA in Youth and Family Ministry (campus)
BA in Intercultural Leadership-Missions (campus)
BA in Worship Arts (campus)
MA in Ministry and Leadership (campus)
Master of Leadership in Ministry (campus)
Lincoln Christian University
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BA in Children and Family Ministry (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry (campus)
BA in Preaching Ministry (campus)
BA in Worship Ministry (campus)
BA in Youth and Family Ministry (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Bible (Biblical Languages, General Bible, New Testament, Old Testament)
- Theology and Philosophy (Church History/Historical Theology, Philosophy & Apologetics, Theology)
- Christian Ministries (Chaplaincy, Christian Education, Intercultural Studies (Missions), Leadership Studies, Pastoral Care & Counseling, Preaching Ministry, Spiritual Formation, Worship Studies)
Other areas:
MA in Biblical Studies (campus)
MA in Church (campus) History/Historical Theology (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
MA in Bible and Theology (campus)
MA in Ministry (campus)
Loyola University Chicago College of Arts and Sciences
BA in Theology (campus)
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
MA in Theological Studies (campus)
MA in Biblical Languages and Literature (campus)
MA in Christian Ethics (campus)
MA in Biblical Studies (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
MA in Women's and Gender Studies (campus)
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Master of Divinity (campus)
MA in Religion (campus)
MA in Leadership Studies (campus)
North Park University Division of Humanities and Social Sciences
BA in Biblical and Theological Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry Studies (campus)
- Local Church Ministry
- Global Ministry Leadership
- Camping Leadership
- Intercultural Leadership
- Youth Ministry Leadership
- Next Gen Ministries
- Church Planting
Master of Divinity (campus, hybrid) - Theological Seminary
Other areas:
MA in Christian Formation (campus, hybrid)
MA in Christian Ministry-Restorative Arts (campus, hybrid)
MA in Christian Formation-MBA/MNA (campus, hybrid)
MA in Theological Studies (campus, hybrid)
Olivet Nazarene University School of Theology and Christian Ministry
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BS in Children's Ministry (campus)
BS in Christian Education (campus)
BS in Ministerial Missions (campus)
BA in Pastoral Ministry (campus)
BS in Youth Ministry (campus)
BA in Religion (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Pastoral Leadership
- Missional Multiplcation
- Ministerial Studies
- Urban Ministry
- Family Ministry
- Pastoral Ministry
- Theology
- Bible
- Religious Studies
Other areas (campus, online, hybrid):
MA in Pastoral Leadership
MA in Missional Multiplication
MA in Minesterial Studies
MA in Urban Ministry
MA in Family Ministry
MA in Pastoral Ministry
MA in Christian Ministry
MA in Religion
Master of Ministry
Master of Ministry in Spanish
Trinity Christian College Theology and Christian Ministry Department
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry (campus)
BA in Cross Cultural Ministry (campus)
BA in Historical and Systematic Theology (campus)
BA in Theology (campus)
BA in Youth Ministry (campus)
Trinity International University-Illinois Trinity College/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
BA in Bible and Ministry (campus)
BA in Worship Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Ministries (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus, online, hybrid)
Other areas (campus, online, hybrid):
MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care
MA in Educational Ministries
MA in Systemic Theology
MA in Church History
MA in New Testament
MA in Old Testament and Semitic Languages
MA in Theological Studies
Master of Theology
University of Chicago Divinity School
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
M.Div+(Master of Public Policy, JD, MA in Social Work and Social Welfare)
Other areas:
MA in Divinity (campus)
MA in Religious Studies (campus)
University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
Other areas:
MA in Pastoral Studies (campus)
MA in Liturgical Studies (campus)
MA in Liturgy (campus)
Wheaton College School of Biblical and Theological Studies
Major in Biblical and Theological Studies (campus)
Major in Biblical Archeology (campus)
Major in Christian Formation and Ministry (campus)
Other areas (campus) - Christian Formation and Ministry Department:
MA in Biblical Exegesis
MA in Biblical and Theological Studies
MA in Evangelism and Leadership
MA in Global Leadership (Outdoor Ministry)
MA in the History of Christianity
MA in Ministry Leadership
MA in Missional Church Movements
MA in Old Testament Archeology
MA in Theology
Online Christian Universities in Illinois
Bexley Hall Seabury Western Theological Seminary Federation, Inc.
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
Chicago Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
- Chaplaincy Studies
- LGBTQ Studies
- Interreligious Engagement
- Islamic Chaplaincy
- Muslim Studies
- Study of Black Faith & Life
Other areas:
MA in Religious Studies (online, campus)
Master of Sacred Theology (online, campus)
MDiv-Social Services Administration (online, campus)
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (hybrid, campus)
- Church History
- Theology
- Ethics
- Ecological Regeneration
- Worship
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Christian Education
- Spiritual Formation
- Evangelism
- Pastoral Leadership
- Congregational Leadership
- African American Church Leadership (interdisciplinary)
- LGBTQ Studies (in conjunction with Chicago Theological Seminary)
- Peace Studies (in conjunction with Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary)
Other areas:
MA in Christian Education (hybrid, campus)
MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling (hybrid, campus)
MA in Public Ministry (hybrid, campus)
Master of Theological Studies (hybrid, campus)
MSW-MDiv (hybrid, campus)
MDiv-MA (hybrid, campus)
MDiv-Master of Theological Studies (hybrid, campus)
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Master of Theology (online, campus, hybrid)
BA-MDiv (online, campus, hybrid)
AM(MSW)-MDiv (online, campus, hybrid)
AM(MSW)-MA (online, campus, hybrid)
Master of Arts in Ministry-AM(MSW) (online, campus, hybrid)
MA in Ministry (online, campus, hybrid)
McCormick Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (hybrid, campus)
MA in Ministry-Spanish option (hybrid, campus)
Master of Theological Studies (hybrid, campus)
Moody Bible Institute-Chicago
BA in Music (campus)
- Music Ministry
- Worship and Media Arts
BA in Biblical Preaching (campus)
BS in Biblical Studies (online)
BS in Theology and Cultural Engagement (online)
BA in Biblical Languages (campus)
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
- Music
- Interdisciplinary
BA in Children and Family Ministry (campus)
BS in Integrated Ministry Studies (online)
BS in Ministry Leadership (online)
- Leadership
- Preaching
- Ministry to Women
- Disability Ministry
- Children and Family Ministry
BA in Ministry to Victims of Sexual Exploitation (campus)
BA in Ministry to Women (campus)
BA in Mission Leadership (campus)
- Nonprofit
BA in Pastoral Studies (campus)
BS in Theological Studies (online)
BA in Theology (campus)
BA in Youth Ministry (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus, online, hybrid) - Moody Theological Seminary
- Pastoral Studies
- Ministry Leadership
- Biblical Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
- TESOL
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- BA-MA-MDiv
Other areas (campus, online, hybrid):
MA in Ministry Leadership (campus, online, hybrid)
MA in Biblical Spiritual Formation and Discipleship (campus, online, hybrid)
MA in Biblical Studies (campus, online, hybrid)