In 1649, the assembly of the Province of Maryland passed the Maryland Toleration Act. This law prohibited individuals from ridiculing another’s religion. The message was clear: All were welcome to worship here.
Today, the spirit of the Maryland Toleration Act persists. Pew Research proves it: 18 percent of adults identify as Evangelical Protestant. An equal percentage identify as Mainline Protestants. Historically Black Protestants make up 16 percent of worshippers, and Catholics represent 15 percent of practicing Christians. No single denomination dominates the culture here.
In Maryland, you’re free to practice whatever faith you choose. It’s a perfect environment to support a budding career as a pastor. From Baltimore to the southern reaches of the Chesapeake, you’ll meet all types of people from every walk of life.
Explore a Christian Ministry Degree – Request More Info Today!
If spreading God’s love is a passion of yours, you’re right to consider a career in ministry. It’s your calling and you’re ready to learn how to become a pastor in Maryland. But what does it take to make it as a pastor in the Free State? How can you connect with the state’s diverse crowd?
Steps to Become a Pastor in Maryland
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Maryland
Engineers go to engineering school. Lawyers attend law school. Pastors are no exception. A bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry, pastoral studies, or Christian studies is a must-have for anyone serious about the profession. Each program endows you with a stronger understanding of the Bible and Christ’s mission in saving humanity.
In a Christ-centered bachelor’s designed to prepare you for the ministry, you’ll explore a broad array of topics that are likely to include:
- Beginning Hebrew and Greek
- Christian theology
- The history of the church
- Old and New Testament interpretation
- Pastoral care and counseling
- Growing a healthy church
- Psychology of religious experience
- Introduction to Christian evangelism
Some programs require students to enroll in an internship as part of their study. This may include studying under a pastor in your area, attending a mission overseas, or assisting a church's administrative staff.
Bible studies and theology are other viable options for Christian undergrads with an eye toward a career in ministry. You'll find these majors offer more of a focus on scriptural knowledge and slightly less oriented toward developing pastoral skills, which can be exactly the kind of deeply bible-focused preparation you're looking.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Maryland
Once you obtain a bachelor's in Christian ministry, you're more than qualified to be considered for jobs supporting the work of Christian ministries throughout Maryland. For many, the path to a selfless life in ministry begins with volunteerism. The goal here is to get your foot in the door.
Maryland is home to dozens of organizations with a faith-based approach to helping local and international communities, including:
- The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs: This organization is tackling homelessness throughout Frederick County. Operating two emergency shelter programs, the Religious Coalition also offers healthcare, dental, and energy assistance to people across the county.
- Briggs Center for Faith & Action: If you want to help immigrant families get on their feet, the Briggs Center for Faith & Action is the perfect fit for you. A non-sectarian religious organization, the nonprofit offers free English education programs to migrants, as well as partners with Martha's Table in D.C. to deliver food assistance.
- International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC): What if you want to help people around the world? The IOCC provides just such an opportunity. Offering “emergency and development programs to those in need worldwide”, the IOCC has operations in Greece, Kenya, Syria, Romania, and a dozen other countries across the globe.
These and other religious nonprofits offer crucial experience. You'll understand how best to serve communities in Maryland and overseas through Christ's love. Ministers will take note of your experience, which could lead to a full-time position.
And as you search for fulltime positions, you're likely asking yourself, what listings should I look for on Indeed, LinkedIn, and other job postings? What titles could I expect in an entry- or mid-level position with a church? Many begin their path to becoming a senior pastor by starting out in humbler roles:
- Associate pastor: Assist the lead pastor in everything from church administration to event planning. Work with ministers to develop services. Which passages should you discuss? What psalms must be sung?
- Youth pastor: Work with kids from all walks of life. Teach them how to use God's word to navigate life's challenges. Set up events in which teens and younger adolescents can help the community.
- Chaplain: Provide religious guidance to individuals struggling in hard times, whether it's a divorce, a death in the family, an ill parent – any obstacle life throws at us!
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Maryland's Many Churches
Large congregations beget large resources. A church serving thousands of worshippers needs associate pastors, youth pastors, administrative staff and other support staff at every level.
Some of the largest churches in Maryland could be a strong bet for entry-level jobs, and most certainly would be eager for Christian volunteers, giving you a chance to gain experience through selfless service:
- Ark of Safety Christian Church
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Cedar Ridge Community Church
- Celebration Church
- Church of the Open Door
- Church of the Redeemed of the Lord
- Church of the Redeemer
- Covenant Life Church
- Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal
- Empowerment Temple
- Ennon Baptist Church
- Evangel Cathedral
- First Baptist Church of Glenarden International
- First Baptist Church of Guilford
- Fourth Presbyterian Church
- From the Heart Church Ministries
- Global Mission Church
- Grace Community Church
- Grace Fellowship Church
- Greater Grace World Outreach
- Harvest Intercontinental Church
- LifePoint Church
- Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries
- National Church of God
- New Psalmist Baptist Church
- New Shiloh Baptist Church
- Sligo Seventh-Day Adventist Church
- Southern Baptist Church
- Spirit of Faith Christian Center
- The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square
- The Soul Factory
- Woodstream Church
- Zion Church
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Maryland
What could you expect from an entry-level job in ministry? In Maryland, religious workers earn an average of $33,410 per year, with the top 10 percent of church staff in the Free State reporting salaries of $49,230 or more as of 2020.
What about directors of religious services and activities – the folks who run the day-to-day operations? In Maryland, church directors earn an average of $54,150 per year, with the top 10 percent earning at least $78,960 annually.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Maryland and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
After working as an associate pastor, church director, or other in another similar capacity, there will be a time when you’re ready to take the lead. Being a head pastor requires the ultimate dedication; a robust understanding of God’s word, and his intention for mankind.
A bachelor’s degree got you the entry-level position, but to be a renowned church leader, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar degree is requisite. MDiv programs are intensive, typically taking four to six years to complete. You’ll not only attend a mission overseas, but also serve in a residency under a minister associated with the school you attend.
The courses you’ll take will be quite similar to your bachelor’s studies. However, the study will be much more intensive. Analysis of the Old and New Testaments will be deeper than any undergraduate class you’ll take. You’ll explore the deepest roots of Christian theology, and its role in serving today’s society.
Many MDiv programs offer concentrations in whatever areas interest you. If your passion is ministry leadership, you’ll take more courses in team dynamics, church planting, and ministry of proclamation. If you envision a more pastoral lifestyle, you’ll receive training in marital therapy, addiction counseling, and clinical pastoral education. It all depends on where you want to take your career. Consult an advisor to help you choose the path that’s right for you.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Maryland
Pastors working in Maryland earn a respectable income, whether in Baltimore or Easton. Clergy members in the Free State earn an average of $59,160 per year. Those earning salaries in the top 10 percent, typically those with extensive experience, make more than $95,300 annually. So, a six-figure salary isn’t out of reach.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Maryland
There may come a time when you decide to open a church of your own. It’s an exciting proposition. People all along the Chesapeake Bay could use your guidance and love. Before you do that, you need to get a few litigious responsibilities in order: from registering your tax status to insuring your property. What’s the first step?
File Your Articles of Incorporation with the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation
Incorporation isn’t necessary, but doing so makes it easier to claim a tax-exempt status with the IRS (more on that later). Ultimately, incorporating protects anyone involved with running the church from unforeseen legal action. More importantly, it ensures your church abides by the mission you set for it.
In Maryland, any religious organization must file its articles of incorporation with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation and submit the following information:
- The name and purpose of the church.
- How you’ll elect new trustees (board members), and qualifications of those trustees. These folks are going to be in charge of maintaining the direction of the church.
- The address of the principal place of worship.
- The name and address of the resident agent of the church (yourself).
- The names and addresses of those incorporating the church.
After filling out the form, you can submit the form by mail or in person to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division 301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201.
Confirm Your 501(c)(3) Status
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code describes any charitable organization as tax exempt – including religious organizations such as yours. Here’s how you can receive your 501(c)(3) status from the IRS:
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number. This can be done online. It allows you to open up a post office box and submit forms to the IRS.
- Work with a tax advisor to fill out Form 1023. It’s complicated, so consulting an expert on the matter will speed up the process.
Once the IRS reviews your Form 1023 submission, you should receive confirmation of your tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).
Insure Your Property
Accidents happen whether they’re slip-and-falls or automotive collisions. The last thing you want to do is direct funds for charitable purposes toward covering damages. For this reason, it’s advisable for you to obtain the following insurance policies:
- Liability insurance
- Property insurance
- Automotive insurance (comprehensive and collision)
- Workers compensation
Open Your Doors
Maryland’s a beautiful state, but it’s not without its blemishes. People throughout the state are enduring incredible hardships. Your ministry can be a guiding comfort throughout those hard times. Yours is a noble pursuit.
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 Maryland
Loyola University Maryland Department of Theology
BA in Theology (campus)
Master of Theological Studies (campus)
Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Christian Counseling
- Church Administration
MA in Biblical Studies (campus)
MA in Christian Counseling (campus)
Mount St. Mary's University College of Liberal Arts
Major in Theology (campus)
