Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Louisiana

This period of study is an inspirational time where the big picture starts to come into focus. It’s an experience where you get to combine what you’ve learned engaging the community as you’ve worked your way up at your own parish with an advanced level of academic knowledge from an inspiring array of professors.

And the light at the end of the graduate school road is ordination. Once you’ve made it this far you’re likely qualified for senior ministry roles at your church.

It’s time to fulfill the call from God that you answered to become a minister!

Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Louisiana

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of salary data for pastors and other members of clergy around the country. It reports that the average salary for pastors in Louisiana was $49,590 in 2020. Pastors and other members of clergy in Louisiana at the height of their careers, earning within the top ten percent, made $71,970 that year.

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

The calling to become a pastor extends even further for some into the calling to become a church planter.

You know if you’re in this category, and at this point you’re nearly ready to take up this cross and answer the call.

But in the process of founding your own church make sure that you don’t overlook the important business-end of incorporating a non-profit.

This starts by filing paperwork at the state-level:

• Choose a name for your church. You can search this directory to make sure your name isn’t already taken by another business in the state.
• Next, you’ll need to draft Articles of Incorporation and appoint board members. Later you’ll file Articles of Incorporation with the IRS, so it’s a good idea to standardize your Articles to meet both state and federal requirements.
• When you file your Articles of Incorporation, there’s an affidavit section that asks you to name a registered agent. This is the person who’s responsible for serving as the legal liaison between your church and the state. You can name yourself if you want.
• Now you can submit your Articles of Incorporation to the Secretary of State in Baton Rouge. You can also submit them online. The filing fee is $75.
• If your church is going to be using a professional solicitor to ask for donations then you need to register with the State Attorney General.

You also need to register your church as a federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the IRS. To do this you:

• Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) using an SS-4 Form.
• Draft a Declaration of Trust. This is a document that describes what will happen to your church’s assets in the event of insolvency.
• 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 your Declaration of Trust.

And that’s it! With the paperwork out of the way you’ll be glad to start concentrating on the hearts, minds, and spirits of your congregation.

Congratulations! Planting your own church is an inspiring prospect. You’ve got an exciting challenge ahead of you as you devote your life’s calling to the Lord.

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 March 2022.