You believe in the word of God. You have accepted the Bible as your truth. An unwavering belief in Jesus is the key to your salvation, and the salvation of your neighbors.
Through your discovery and acceptance of Christ, you’ve found your new purpose in life: to spread the Good Word. Maybe you want to assist your pastor. Perhaps you aspire to open a ministry of your own.
Forty-one percent of Mississippians identify with Evangelism, so there’s a lot of rich opportunity to spread the Good word in this state.
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Although a life of a minister is calling to you, you may be apprehensive. While a noble profession, would you need to work a full-time job while balancing the extensive work of the church? That’s not the case.
What steps should you take to become a pastor in Mississippi? Do you need any degrees? What about work experience? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to become a pastor in Mississippi.
Steps to Become a Pastor in Mississippi
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Mississippi
Speak with the pastor of your church. Where did they seek their degree? What did they study? What did the courses look like? You may not take the same path, but listening to their experience will give you an idea of the education you'd like to pursue.
Remember that Mississippi has a strong Evangelical presence. So, you may pursue a program with an emphasis on Bible studies or Evangelism, but don’t limit yourself. There's a strong presence of Mainline Protestants and Historically Black Protestants in the state. Which avenue aligns with your calling? The answer will help determine your route.
Overall, there are three degrees that can help get your foot in the door with a church:
Christian Ministry: This degree endows students with extensive Biblical knowledge and the practice of proselytizing. You need strong public speaking skills to become a pastor or minister, so some programs may include communications courses. Other areas of study include church administration, theology, and ministerial career development.
Biblical Studies: This major is particularly relevant to those interested in Evangelism. Biblical studies programs emphasize the Bible as God’s Word. Courses will explore the Old and New Testaments, the teachings of Jesus, the Book of Moses, and the Church’s responsibility to its community.
Christian Studies: Think of Christian studies as a general overview of the faith. These programs explore how to practice and spread the word of God professionally and personally. Courses not only cover the teachings of the Bible, but also the philosophy of Christianity. How has it evolved over time? What is the role of a Christian in today’s society?
Leadership and Missions: Do you see yourself helping communities in need of God’s work? A degree in leadership and missions provides an overview of theology, with an emphasis on conducting missions locally and cross-culturally. You’ll learn how to prepare a mission team, training team members, and attend a mission trip as part of your study.
Pastoral Ministries: This degree is ideal for anyone interested in becoming a pastor. Curriculums include preaching, member counseling, church management, and Biblical studies. You’ll learn how to best serve your community through a pastoral career.
Whether you pursue a study of the Bible or mission planning, you’ll be empowered to serve the people of Mississippi. Your service is needed. While lower than the national average, the FBI recorded 8,272 violent crimes in the state in 2019. That’s a symptom of a community with a desperate need for God’s charity and wisdom.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Mississippi
So, you get your degree, but what specific jobs should you look for in a church? Every ministry has administrative, educational, and operational needs. That’s where you find your opportunity.
Some churches in Mississippi offer residencies or fellowships. These full-time, paid training programs endow you with the proficiency needed to spread the word of God. You’ll develop community outreach and administrative skills that help you build a strong, thriving church.
Residencies are usually run by nationwide churches. Most programs require candidates possess a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies, Christian studies, or Christian ministry. Ultimately, the ministers leading these programs intend to set you up with a church of your own. For that reason, they’re looking for students whose values align with their own, so it’s important to find a church you connect with. Here’s a list of churches in Mississippi that offer them:
- Morrison Heights Baptist Church
- Pinelake Church
A residency isn’t your only option. There are plenty of full-time, entry-level positions in the church that can help you acquire the experience needed to become a pastor:
Youth Pastor: If you enjoy working with kids, and believe they’re crucial to spreading the word of God, a job as a youth pastor will be a good fit for you. These professionals typically focus on inspiring young members of the church to join a youth organization. These organizations focus on community outreach – volunteering to help spread the word of God through serving others.
Administrative Assistant: This role will familiarize yourself with the day-to-day aspects of running a church. Responsibilities include helping the pastor or operations director set up events, send out brochures, develop a website, running membership campaigns, answering phones, and other day-to-day tasks.
Nursery Coordinator: This position typically requires candidates with experience in early childhood education. Their job is to help any family within the church in need of regular childcare. You’ll set up age-appropriate learning activities, a clean, healthy living environment, and cook meals, depending on the services you offer.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Mississippi and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs prepare aspiring ministers for the next step: becoming influential leaders in the Christian faith. They equip graduates with the deepest knowledge of the divine: God’s miracles, the birth of his son, and the most intricate teachings of the Bible. They offer a comprehensive education of the Christian theology, and the practice of ministry.
Ultimately, an MDiv will not only strengthen your knowledge of God’s word, but also better prepare you for leading your own flock. Most schools design their programs for those looking to lead congregations, become ordained pastors, and community activists. Mississippians drawn to Evangelism would benefit from this degree.
There are Master of Theology programs that allow you to concentrate on certain disciplines. If you intend to perform God’s work in Mississippi, a concentration in pastoral leadership or Biblical studies will set you on the right path.
Pastoral Leadership: This concentration teaches leadership development, evangelism, church planting, and pastoral care in human crisis. The emphasis on evangelism is well suited to most Mississippi congregations. Overall, it's a solid choice if you feel your calling is to provide meaningful assistance to people throughout the state.
Biblical Studies: Here, you’ll study the Old and New Testaments, the prophets’ teachings, and how to interpret the Bible. Think of it as the next level up from your bachelor’s degree: You’re obtaining thorough knowledge specific to those who intend to become pastors.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Mississippi
As of 2020, church directors managing religious activities in Mississippi earned an average of $58,670 per year. Those with more experience and responsibility make upwards of $84,390 annually. The top 10 percent – which likely includes director-level workers, earn $98,040 or more.
Pastors in Mississippi earn a salary comparable to director-level and mid-level religious workers throughout the state. While the latter make an average of $58,670 per year, clergy members in Mississippi earn an average of $53,600 annually.
Build your congregation. Over time, your salary will rise as well. The top 25 percent of Mississippi’s clergy earned upwards of $70,420 per year. The most experienced pastors, sitting in the top 10 percent, reported earning $86,030 or better on an annual basis.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Mississippi
Starting your own flock may not be a path you’re interested in, initially. However, as time goes on, you may find need for a church of your own. Maybe there’s an underserved, needy community within Mississippi that could benefit from your spiritual guidance and charity.
Starting your own ministry in Mississippi is more time-consuming than you’d think. It’s not as simple as building a place of worship on vacant property (no small feat, anyway) and opening the doors to the public. You need to make sure you get your legal ducks in a row. Before going through all of this on your own, considering hiring a business attorney and a tax advisor.
Register Your Church as a Non-Profit with the Mississippi Secretary of State
This is also known as filing articles of incorporation. The “articles of incorporation” are a set of documents that you submit to the Mississippi Secretary of State. The documents specify information about your church: the name, address, directors, and any officers appointed in the organization.
Mississippi’s Secretary of State has some specific requirements for those forming non-profits, which applies to anyone incorporating a non-profit religious organization. Within two years of incorporating, you must have an organizational meeting. At this meeting, you’ll need to:
- Elect directors and adopt by-laws for the operation of the church.
- Elect a board of directors which must complete the organization of the corporation.
Reach out to people who you think would make for good directors and board members. These folks should align with the values of your church, and possess strong moral character. In today’s age, part of spreading the Good Word involves this level of organization. Don’t get discouraged: Doing so will ensure decisions made on behalf of the church are made with consideration to its members.
Assuming you plan on accepting donations from members of your church, you may also need to register your church as a charity. Mississippi recommends consulting an attorney to help you get these details sorted out. In addition, call the Secretary of State’s Securities and Charities Enforcement Division at (601) 359-1350 for more information.
Creating Your Church’s Bylaws
This is where you’ll reach out to your flock. What sort of work do your members wish to conduct? What charitable contributions will they make? These and other questions flesh out the protections your bylaws will contain. Generally, your bylaws will specify:
- How your church will elect directors and choose officers.
- The rules under which directors and officers must operate.
- How your organization will respond to and act on poor behavior conducted by church staff, officers, and directors.
- Which committees will undertake specific clerical responsibilities.
- Your church’s voting process.
- Any liability protections for church employees, ensuring their personal assets are exempt from litigious proceedings.
Obtain a 501(c)(3) Status from the Internal Revenue Service
Before obtaining a 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, you need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN allows you to file tax forms, and open a post office box. You can apply for one over the phone, online, by mail, or fax – whatever’s most convenient for you.
After receiving your EIN, then you can apply for tax-exempt status. To obtain it, you need to fill out IRS Form 1023. You need to file Form 1023 within 27 months of filing your articles of incorporation.
Your 501(c)(3) status will determine your standing with Mississippi’s Department of Revenue. Your tax advisor will guide you through the state’s requirements.
Note that you won’t be exempt from paying all taxes. In Mississippi, you’re still required to pay the state’s sales tax. However, churches are exempt from paying the sales tax on utilities and the use tax on purchases of religious literature.
Get Insurance
You’re going to have assets – the church being one of them. You may have vehicles as well. Most importantly, you’ll probably have employees. That means you’ll have to get insurance.
Shop around for insurance companies offering property insurance, worker’s compensation, employer liability coverage, and general liability coverage. This financial cushion will protect you if and when accidents occur on church property.
Continue to Do Your Work
Find people in your community who are in need of spiritual guidance. Look for opportunities to lift those struggling financially up to their feet. Make it your mission to do good wherever you are in Mississippi. You’re on the right track. Make the best of it.
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 Mississippi
Mississippi College Department of Christian Studies
BA in Christian Studies (campus)
- Bible
- Biblical Languages
- Ministry Studies
- Missions
William Carey University School of Missions and Ministry Studies
Major in Christian Studies (campus)
MA in Christian Theology-Thesis, Non-Thesis (campus)
Master of Music in Worship Studies (campus)
Master of Music in Church Music (campus)
Online Christian Universities in Mississippi
Bellhaven University Department of Biblical Studies and Ministries
BA in Biblical Studies (online)
- Human Services
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
- Theology
- Youth and Children Studies
- Missions and Cultural Relations
MA in Biblical and Theological Studies (campus)
Wesley Biblical Seminary
BA in Christian Studies (online, campus, hybrid)
- Human Services
