When you think of the origins of America, Massachusetts is at the center of its inception. The Mayflower brought Puritans seeking religious freedom to the shores of what would soon be known as Plymouth. Today, the spirit of religious freedom remains strong, encouraging those of all faiths to practice in the Bay State.
But if you’ve lived in Massachusetts long, you’ll be well acquainted with the pressures its residents place on themselves. The cost of living here is high – 32.5 percent above the national average. Even the basics, like housing, are becoming difficult to manage for many in the middle class.
Where do folks scraping out a living go in this state to find peace? Where can they achieve the serenity many so desperately need? You know the church can provide this comfort, and help people slow down in a state where everybody’s running at full speed. If you’re inspired to deliver this message yourself and pursue a life in ministry, we’ll walk you through how to get there.
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Everything you need to understand exactly how to become a pastor in Massachusetts can be found right here in this simple five-step guide.
Steps to Become a Pastor in Massachusetts
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Massachusetts
Providing spiritual guidance is a skill – a skill cultivated by building knowledge of and discussing Christian teachings. Massachusetts is known for its universities and highly educated population. So, it goes without saying that earning a degree in Christian ministry, pastoral studies, or Biblical studies is a logical first step.
The degree you pursue depends on your beliefs, your church, and your aptitude. Generally, there’s a lot of overlap between a bachelor’s in pastoral studies or Christian ministry. At some schools, you might find that Christian ministry programs place more emphasis on public speaking, while pastoral studies involve a deeper dive into scripture, but not always. Finding a program that strikes precisely the balance you’re looking for in your education takes diligence and the willingness to ask those important qualifying questions.
Both degrees will cover:
- Introductory Greek and Hebrew
- Evangelism, and spreading the Word of God
- Administration and leadership in ministry
- Introductory and advanced preaching courses
You may benefit from a program with an emphasis on pastoral care. Pastors often consult individuals struggling with day-to-day hardships, so familiarizing yourself with this practice is crucial if you want to practice in MA.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Massachusetts
After obtaining your degree in pastoral studies, Christian ministry, or a like degree, look for entry- or mid-level positions within churches throughout the state. One factor that works to your advantage is that Massachusetts isn’t every big. The Pike and 95 may crawl during rush hour, but it’s not impractical to get to a job a good ways away. You could get from Lowell to the South Shore, Worcester to Boston, or vice versa pretty easily.
Administrative positions will get you acquainted with the day-to-day of running a congregation, but you may want a job providing spiritual guidance. Here are some examples:
- Youth Pastor: You’ll get to help adolescents navigate issues at school, home, or elsewhere through religious practice. They need it. According to the Greater Worcester 2017 Regional Youth Health Survey, 54.2 percent of high school students noted stress as the top issue among them.
- Chaplain: This is a position you could find outside of the church as well. This is a position for anyone in need of religious counseling. Whether it’s a family member caring for a dying loved one, an unemployed individual struggling to find work, or anyone else who needs help.
- Worship Pastor: You’ll assist the lead minister in developing programs for Sunday service, and any other time your church hosts congregations. You’ll choose the Psalms to sing, the lessons to touch on, and more.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Massachusetts's Many Churches
The larger churches of Massachusetts often offer more opportunities for both the kind of general volunteerism that can build experience relevant to a life in ministry, as well as full-time entry-level positions that could ultimately lead to a full-time role in Christian leadership.
These are among the churches with the largest assemblies in Massachusetts:
- Boston Church of Christ
- Calvary Chapel of Boston
- Grace Chapel
- Jubilee Christian Church
- Liberty Churches
- Morning Star Baptist Church
- Park Street Church
- Unitarian Universalist Association
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Massachusetts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t provide information on how much religious workers make in Massachusetts, but it does have nationwide stats. Across the U.S., religious workers earn an average of $40,070 annually, with the top ten percent earning $65,830 or more annually.
In a state known for a higher cost of living than the national average, you can be sure the salaries for religious workers here in Massachusetts are considerably higher too.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Massachusetts and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
After gaining experience as an associate pastor, youth pastor, or other similar capacity, you’ll find a time to take the main stage. Perhaps members of the congregation have suggested voting for you to be the next lead minister. It’s a whole other level of commitment.
Preparing yourself for a position as a minister necessitates a Master of Divinity (MDiv), a Master’s of Christian Theology, or similar degree. A Master of Transformative Ministry is another option to consider. Each has its own merits, but MDiv is usually the popular choice among aspiring ministers.
MDiv programs take between four and six years to complete, covering everything from in-depth Biblical analysis to missiology. Most programs require students to complete a residency under a head pastor or minister. The whole purpose of an MDiv is to prepare you for a life as a minister: how to manage a church, expand membership, provide pastoral care, and be a leader in the Christian community. If that’s want, go for it.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Massachusetts
After receiving your masters and taking your place at the pulpit, you can expect to earn a respectable income. In MA, pastors and other members of clergy earn an average of $62,920 annually. As you build experience, you could earn considerably more: the top 10 percent of pastors in The Bay State earn $87,230 per year or more.
What about those important management and administrative positions that keep churches running? Directors of religious services organize church events and put resources to work serving the congregation and the greater community. Many oversee administrative staff, associate pastors, and may themselves hold positions as ministers or pastors.
Director-level religious workers in Massachusetts earn an average $75,100 annually – a healthy income in a state with a high cost of living. What’s more encouraging is that the most experienced directors make six figures, with the top 10 percent reporting incomes greater than $118,510 per year.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Massachusetts
There may come a time when you decide to open up a church of your own. If you’ve lived in the Commonwealth for some time, you’re well aware of the state’s extensive legislation – from occupational licensing to purchasing a home. Starting a congregation is no different, but don’t let the process deter you. Hire a tax consultant and a corporate attorney to guide you through it. For now, let’s cover the basics.
Registering a Public Charity in Massachusetts
When starting a church, you must register it with the Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). You can submit your registration materials to charitiesfilings@mass.gov. Once you submit those materials, a Charities Specialist will reach out to process your registration payment, and sign documents through DocuSign. The registration materials you’ll need to include are:
- Your articles of incorporation
- The bylaws of your organization
- Your IRS determination letter
- Your board of directors list
Note that, unlike non-religious entities, Massachusetts does not require religious organizations to obtain a Certificate of Solicitation. A Certificate of Solicitation authorizes a nonprofit entity to collect funds. Religious organizations are exempt from this obligation.
Filling Out the Massachusetts Charity Registration Form
The first part of this document asks for the basic information: The name of your church, its address, phone number, email and website if you have one. Within that form, you’ll fill out the details discussed in each section below.
Obtaining Your EIN and IRS Determination Letter
According to the IRS, religious organizations are considered tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, you’re not technically required to file for tax exempt status. However, in the interest of keeping your ducks in a row, we’d suggest doing so.
To receive your IRS determination letter as a tax-exempt religious entity, you first need to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Once you receive your EIN, list that on your Charity Registration Form for MA. In addition, you’ll be able to fill out Form 1023. This is your application for a tax exemption status under Section 501(c)(3). The form’s complicated, so consult a tax advisor to walk you through it.
Develop Your Articles of Organization
Known as the articles of incorporation in other states, the articles of organization provide details such as:
- The purposes for which your church is formed (i.e. to serve as a house of worship)
- Your church's name
- A date for an annual meeting of the incorporators, officers, and board of directors
- The process with which church-owned assets will be distributed in the event of dissolution
- How the church will use assets for tax-exempt purposes
- The bylaws governing your church
- A list of officers and trustees
Form Your Church’s Bylaws and Board of Directors List
As noted above, the bylaws will be included in your articles of organization. The bylaws specify the rules under which officers and the church as a whole must operate. They not only place limitations on officer powers, but also specify members’ rights.
For example, your bylaws would determine when someone becomes a member of the church, and the voting rights of that member. They’ll also specify what should occur during regular meetings focused on church administration, worship services, and how the church should hire employees.
Finally, you’ll list the board of directors. These trustees keep your church in check; ensuring the congregation lives up to its mission as a charitable house of worship.
Insure Your Property
Obtain liability insurance, workers’ compensation, automotive and property insurance. These policies will give you comprehensive coverage of any unforeseen events. You’ll be protected from legal action from visitors in the event of an on-site injury, and you’ll be able to recoup the losses of any asset damages.
The Commonwealth Needs You
Massachusetts is filled with some incredibly hardworking folks. People know how to hustle here. But it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. A high cost of living puts many people in a place of constant stress. Your guidance and wisdom can be a reprieve from that environment. Stepping into this role of a minister could bring many people a world of happiness.
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 Massachusetts
Anne Maria College
BA in Theology (campus)
BA in Catholic Studies (campus)
Boston University College of Arts and Sciences
BA in Religion (campus)
BA in Anthropology and Religion (campus)
BA in Classics and Religion (campus)
BA in Philosophy and Religion (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Pastoral Ministry
- Global and Community Engagement
- Religion and the Academy
- Organizational Management
- Chaplaincy
- Interfaith Leadership
- Theology and the Arts
- MDiv-MSW
- MDiv-MAT
Master of Theological Studies (campus)
Master of Sacred Music (campus)
Master of Sacred Theology (campus)
Eastern Nazarene College
BA in Religion (campus)
- General
- Biblical Language
- Theology and Philosophy
- Double major
BA in Youth Ministry (campus) - Ordination track
BA in Children's Ministry (campus) - Ordination track
BA in Worship Arts (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry (campus) - Ordination track (63 credits)
Gordon University
BA in Christian Ministries (campus)
- Global Christianity
- Pastoral Ministries
- Social Impact Ministries
- Youth Ministries
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Jewish Studies
- Biblical Languages
Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
- Orthodox Studies
- Seminarian non-GOA
- Seminarian GOA
Master of Divinity (campus)
Master of Theological Studies (campus)
Master of Theology (campus)
Merrimack College School of Liberal Arts
BA in Religious and Theological Studies (campus)
- Religious Studies
- Theological Studies
MA in Spiritual Direction (campus)
MA in Spirituality (campus)
Pope St John XXIII National Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
Saint John's Seminary
MA in Ministry (campus)
Master of Theological Studies (campus)
Online Christian Universities in Massachusetts
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
Harvard University Extension Studies
Bachelor of Liberal Arts - Religion (online)
Master of Divinity (campus) - Harvard Divinity School
Master of Theological Studies (campus)
Master of Theology (campus)
Master of Religion and Public Life (campus)
