From the vast desert landscape to the mountains of the Sierras, Nevada is a state brimming with natural wonders. Gazing across the Black Rock Desert, swimming in the waters of Lake Tahoe, and walking through the Valley of Fire reminds one of God’s creative powers. It’s amazing what he’s brought to this state.
Unfortunately, there are those throughout Nevada who are in desperate need of God’s work. According to a report from Nevada State Opioid Response, there were over 3,500 inpatient admissions for opioid-related conditions in Nevada between 2019 and 2020.
There’s a way for you to help these people. It starts with touching what’s in their hearts, and introducing the love that God can bring. Your teachings won’t fall on deaf ears, either: 66 percent of Nevadans identify as Christians. That’s hundreds of thousands of people looking to perform God’s work and listen to the Good Word.
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You’ve decided you want to help people. Maybe it’s the folks mentioned above. The church has helped you found peace with yourself, and spread it to members of your community. It can do the same for others. A life of a pastor appeals to you. How can you get to a point where you’re leading a congregation?
The steps in this simple guide will show you exactly how to become a pastor in Nevada.
Steps to Become a Pastor in Nevada
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Nevada
When choosing a Christian bachelor's degree, consider the messaging that resonates with Nevadans. It should resonate with your own beliefs as well, but pursuing an education that complements the community's beliefs will help you reach more individuals.
For instance, consider the fact that Evangelical Protestants make up 20 percent of religious Nevadans. This includes Baptists, nondenominational families, Pentecostals and others. Ten percent identify as Mainline Protestants, while 25 percent ascribe to the Catholic faith.
The goal here isn't to pander to a belief system, but to see which vision aligns with your own. Then, pursue an education that helps you better understand that belief system. Here are a few bachelor's degrees to choose from:
- Christian Studies: A bachelor's in Christian studies provides an overview of the faith. You'll review the history of Christianity and its place within civilization. You'll also study Biblical text and identify meaning within it. What are the tenants of Christianity? What does it mean to be a good Christian? You'll find the answers through this course of study.
- Pastoral Ministries: If you intend on becoming a minister, this is the degree for you. Universities offering this program prepare you for a leadership role within the church. You'll learn not only how to interpret and evangelize the teachings of the Bible, but also on how to provide pastoral care to members of your community.
- Biblical Studies: This degree is particularly applicable to those with an Evangelical inclination. If you believe undoubtedly that the Bible is God's word, this field of study will help you understand the Bible like the back of your hand. You'll study the New and Old Testaments, as well as the contents of Proverbs and Psalms.
A B.S. in Religious studies, Christian leadership, or youth and family ministries would serve you as well. Religious studies would give you an overview of not just Christianity but Islam, Judaism, and other religions. Christian leadership is perfect for those who intend on becoming pastors. You'll learn everything there is to know about cultivating, sustaining, and growing a congregation.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Nevada
After you get an education, look for entry-level or mid-level positions within a church. It could be your local congregation, or another flock that aligns with your beliefs. Look for those who want to accomplish the same charitable work as you do.
There are several positions for which you can apply. The ones listed below fit within the “religious worker” designation:
- Nursery Coordinator: If you have experience in early childhood education, this is a great position for you. These jobs involve helping families with childcare. Think about the single parent who needs to pick up a second shift to earn some extra cash. That's who you'd be helping out.
- Youth Pastor: Maybe you were a troubled kid. Regardless, you connect with kids. You understand what they're going through. Youth pastors use teachings from the Bible to help kids and teenagers through early life's troubles. It's a great way to pull troubled youth away from life's temptations.
- Worship Pastor: If you're a natural performer or organizer, this is the job for you. You'll work with the lead minister to set up religious services every week. You'll identify lessons within the Bible, and set up a service which emphasizes those lessons.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Seek out churches and ask them how you could help in a religious capacity. In addition, visit websites like indeed.com to find open positions.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Nevada's Many Churches
The megachurches throughout Nevada will likely have more open positions than smaller congregations. They'll not only have a need for general religious workers, but also administrative staff - from marketers to community resource managers. Don't be afraid to use whatever skills you have to help out a church. The largest congregations throughout the state are listed below:
- Calvary Chapel Las Vegas
- Canyon Ridge Christian Church
- Central Church
- Grace Church
- International Church of Las Vegas
- Lifepoint Church
- Living Stones Churches
- Summit Church
- The Crossing, A Christian Church
- The Hills
- Victory Baptist Church
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Nevada
What could you expect to earn as a religious worker who isn’t yet qualified for a role in Christian leadership? More than you’d think. Religious workers in Nevada earn an average of $51,790 per year as of 2020.
The outlook is promising for those who stick with this path. The top 25 percent of religious workers in Nevada reported earning upwards of $73,300 annually, while the top 10 percent earn more than $86,810 per year. So, a comfortable living is one of the unexpected perks of working for the church.
Step 3. arn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Nevada and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
An entry-level or mid-tier job in a church will familiarize yourself with the day-to-day operations. Maybe you work as a worship pastor or youth pastor, and gain experience evangelizing. But what if you want to become a lead pastor? What does it take to be the head of an entire congregation?
There are several master’s options which you can explore, the first of which is a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. An MDiv is an immersive program that not only endows you with greater knowledge of Christian teachings, but also practical training in running a church. A typical MDiv curriculum takes three to six years to complete, and includes:
- In-depth analyses of the New and Old Testaments, the Psalms and Proverbs.
- Evangelizing the teachings of the Bible, and connecting its lessons with the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
- Courses on Biblical Hebrew and Greek.
- A residency with a church – typically three years long. You’ll work under the tutelage of a minister, helping them develop programs to spread the Good Word.
MDiv programs are par for the course in many cases, but they’re not the be-all, end-all to a career as a minister. Other master’s programs will prepare you to lead a flock.
Master of Theology
These programs are typically broken up into Biblical studies, pastoral leadership, and, of course, theology. You’ll analyze the nature of God, and His place within the everyday lives of individuals across the world – not just Christians.
For example, how would a church operating in the modern era take the teachings of the prophets and apply them to today’s life? How have their prophecies come to fruition?
Regarding pastoral leadership, a Master of Theology program will educate you in the ministry of proclamation and worship. You’ll study how to teach and spread the Good News, counseling those in need of guidance. Moreover, you’ll learn how to formulate a strong, healthy church.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Nevada
Pastors and other members of the clergy in Nevada make a good living – an average of $52,710 per year. The more experienced head pastors earn considerably more. While the top 25 percent reported earning upwards of $70,060 annually, the top 10 percent make more than $80,480 per year.
Directors of Religious Services – those who organize church-based community outreach and education, are in the same ballpark. Lead pastors would fall under this designation too. They earn an average of $59,550 annually, with the top 10 percent making more than $92,070 per year.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Nevada
Throughout your ministerial career, you’ll recognize communities in need to religious consult. At this point, you may decide to open up your own congregation. It’s a noble pursuit, but it’s not without its obstacles.
There are certain litigious and financial details you’ll need to get in order before opening your doors. A corporate attorney and/or tax advisor will be helpful. What should you do on day one?
Identify Officers and Board Members
Board members set the direction of the church. You may envision fancy suits around an oval table in a high-rise office, but that won’t be the case with your congregation. Board members can be anyone you trust to ensure the mission of your church stays intact. They’re the folks who determine the charitable direction of your congregation.
Officers are those who run the day-to-day of your church. This could include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and others who will help you manage the day-to-day activities. The positions don’t necessarily have to be in line with a typical corporate structure. For example, you may have a Secretary of Operations or Director of Charitable services. It all depends on how you want to organize it.
File Your Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State
All non-profits (including churches) must file their articles of incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State (SOS). The articles of incorporation provide basic details about your church. You fill out this form and send it via email or mail to the SOS office. Here’s the information you’ll need to provide:
- Name of the church: Make sure that it’s distinguishable from other corporations throughout the state.
- Name a registered agent: A registered agent is a person who resides in Nevada. You could be the registered agent in this instance.
- Identify directors: These are the directors you’ve chosen for the board mentioned above.
- State your purpose: Outline the intent of your church. What sort of charity work will you be conducting? What religious services will you provide?
- Incorporators: These are the folks who are incorporating the business. Provide their names and addresses.
- List of officers: These are the people who will help you run the church – the secretary, the president, etc.
When filling out the form, pay close attention to the “Charitable Solicitation Information” form. This is where you can confirm that the IRS recognizes you as a church under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), which we’ll discuss further.
Obtain Your 501(c)(3) Status from the IRS
The next step is to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN allows you to file tax documents and open up a post office box.
Once you have your EIN, you can fill out Form 1023. That’s the application for your 501(c)(3) status, which exempts you from paying federal taxes. The form can be complicated, so hiring a tax advisor to assist you with this may not be the worst idea.
The IRS requires you to submit Form 1023 within 27 months of filing your articles of incorporation in Nevada. The tricky part is that Nevada asks whether or not you’ve obtained 501(c)(3) status in its articles of incorporation submission. Speak with a tax advisor and a corporate counselor to help you work through this grey area.
Acquire Insurance to Protect Your Assets
Given that you’re opening a church, you’re going to have a building. In addition, you’re probably going to hire employees to help you with the day-to-day. You may also producre a hearse or a vehicle to use for charity events. All of these assets need to be insured. Here’s a list of policies you’ll need to obtain:
- Worker's compensation
- Property insurance
- Liability coverage
- Automotive insurance
Those are the basics. Whilst consulting an advisor, you may find a need for other policies.
Do the Good Work
Nevada needs you. Anyone who’s suffering in life could use your consultation. Through your guidance, you can lead them to the light of God, and pull them up from hard times.
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.
