Christianity has a seminal place in The Garden State’s history. First settled by Dutch, Swedish, and later English colonists searching for religious liberty, New Jersey became a home for Puritans, Calvinists, Quakers, and Catholics.
The melting pot that characterized New Jersey in the 17th century persists today. While 14 percent of residents identify with Judaism, Islam, or other non-Christian faiths, 67 percent identify as Christians. Of those folks, 34 percent identify as Catholic, and 25 percent are practicing Protestants. It’s encouraging to see God’s Word persist on the East Coast.
Despite the prevalence of Christianity, there’s still a need for religious counseling in the Garden State. Drug addiction and violence run rampant throughout Trenton, Newark, and Camden. It’s discouraging to witness, but there is hope.
Explore a Christian Ministry Degree – Request More Info Today!
You’ve lived in New Jersey for some time. You know the problems impacting your communities, and you understand how God’s love can guide people away from temptation and toward salvation. You recognize that if the church can pull just one person off the street, it makes a difference.
You may be at a loss as to where you can begin. How do you become a minister? What does it take to deliver pastoral services on a regular, individualized basis? We’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a pastor in New Jersey.
The steps in this simple guide will show you exactly how to become a pastor in New Jersey.
Steps to Become a Pastor in New Jersey
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in New Jersey
A bachelor's degree in Christian ministry or pastoral studies will set you up with an entry- or mid-level job with a church. More importantly, either degree will provide you with intimate knowledge of the Christian faith, from analysis of the New and Old Testaments to Christianity's evolution throughout the centuries.
There are a couple of differences between a degree in Christian ministry and pastoral studies, but there's a lot of overlap between the two as well. The chief distinction is that most Christian ministry degrees concentrate on evangelism and oration: public speaking has a seminal place in these programs. Pastoral studies focus more on church management and providing guidance to individuals.
Again, the overlap is there. With either degree, you can expect to learn:
- In-depth analysis of the New and Old Testaments
- Christian Theology
- Ministry of proclamation
- Christian leadership in a modern era
- The history of the church
Many schools offer internships as part of their curricula, so you’ll get real-world experience with a pastor or minister as well. Most importantly, those internships may lead to a job.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of New Jersey
Generally, there are two types of jobs you can find at your church. One focuses on faith-based services. The other handles the administrative end – event planning, facilities management, and even accounting. Given your commitment to spreading the faith, consider looking for open positions such as:
- Youth Pastor: Work with the next generation. Get them involved in community outreach programs, and consult them on an individual basis.
- Worship Pastor: Set the program for the next service. Which Biblical verses are relevant to today’s struggles? What Psalms should be sung in praise of the lord?
- Charity Coordinator: Allocate church funds to better serve your local community. Run programs from Orange to Atlantic City.
You don’t necessarily have to work with a congregation either. Catholic Charities, which is affiliated with the Diocese of Trenton, provides housing assistance and other social services to members of the community. Consider getting in touch with them if serving the community hits the right notes with you.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of New Jersey's Many Churches
Which jobs are available largely depends on the size of the church. Large congregations need a lot of resources to run. Start with the congregations below in your job search:
- Abundant Life Family Worship Church
- Agape Family Worship Center
- Bethany Church
- Calvary Chapel Old Bridge
- Cathedral International
- Change Church - Ewing
- Evangel Church
- First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
- Liquid Church
- Living Faith Christian Center
- Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church
- Presbyterian Church of Toms River
- Princeton Alliance Church
- Rutgers Community Christian Church
- Saint Matthews Baptist Church
- The Chapel
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in New Jersey
In New Jersey, religious workers earn an average $42,700 per year. Remember that this includes non-leadership positions. Working your way up in the church will get you further. The top 10 percent of religious workers in roles outside of leadership in New Jersey make more than $63,960 annually.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in New Jersey and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
After a few years working in a church as a youth pastor, worship pastor, or other such capacity, you may want to take the lead in your congregation. You'll identify opportunities for new weekly services, and messaging that resonates with people throughout New Jersey.
Becoming a lead minister necessitates a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar degree. An MDiv is an intensive program that prepares you for a career as a lead pastor or minister. Most programs take three to six years to complete, covering:
- A deeper knowledge of the New and Old Testaments.
- Courses in Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek
- A residency with a church in which you work with a lead minister.
- A semester-long mission to another country.
Other degrees offer similar experiences. It all depends on where you want to focus your efforts. A master’s in transformative ministry, for example, will emphasize how to rejuvenate individuals and communities through God’s Word. Others, such as a master’s in Bible studies focuses exclusively on Biblical teachings – perfect for those who want to explore the lessons within it.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in New Jersey
Becoming a pastor in New Jersey pays well. Pastors and other clergy members in the Garden State report earning an average of $54,870 annually. Those with larger congregations or longer careers report making more. The top 10 percent of pastors and clergy members in New Jersey earn $90,520 or more annually.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in New Jersey
Whether you’re a practicing Catholic, a Presbyterian, or nondenominational, you may find opportunity to open a church of your own. It’s possible your community – whether in a city like Newark or a town like Nutley - doesn’t have a church delivering the right message for that community.
This is where litigious details come into play. Before you do anything, you should obtain your 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.
Obtain Your 501(c)(3) Status
A 501(c)(3) status exempts you from paying federal taxes. It’s exclusively for nonprofit charities, private foundations and private operating foundations. You should get a tax advisor to go over the details, but it really comes down to a three-step process.
- Get your Employer Identification Number. This allows you to file tax documents and obtain a post office box.
- Fill out Form 1023. This is where the details lie. You’ll describe your church’s structure, compensation for officers, directors, and trustees, and other details.
Note that the IRS states that churches “may be considered tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) without filing Form 1023.” That being said, it’s wise to file this form anyway. It covers your bases.
Incorporate Under the Provisions of Title 15 or 16 of the New Jersey Statutes
Any charitable nonprofit in New Jersey must register with the New Jersey Charities Registration Section. Churches and other religious organizations are exempt from this obligation. To be eligible for this exemption, you must incorporate under the provisions of Title 15 or 16 of the New Jersey Statutes.
To incorporate your church in New Jersey, you need to file a certificate of incorporation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Corporate Filings Unit. This certificate will specify any officers named as part of your organization, as well as the board of directors. You’ll submit the certificate to your county clerk, who will record the name of your church and process the $25 fee.
As described in Title 16, a religious incorporated entity will conduct itself as any other incorporated entity would. This includes:
- Appointing trustees (also known as “board members”), officers and employees as required.
- Acquire, purchase, and receive any real and personal property of all kinds. This includes not only church edifices but also schoolhouses, college buildings, and other kinds of institutions with a religious affiliation.
Under a Title 16 incorporation, you’ll also have to abide by certain prohibitions. For example, if you own or control a cemetery, you are not allowed to own, make, install, sell or create any form of memorials. You’re also prohibited from installing vaults, a mausoleum for private use or own a funeral home or mortuary.
All of these details just scratch the surface of Title 16. Consult a corporate attorney to guide you through this process. It will save you a lot of headaches.
Insure Your Property
Insurance is a mandatory part of running a church. Property insurance is an obvious necessity. Natural disasters and (unfortunately) vandalism can strike anywhere. You want to ensure the funds you generate for charity won’t go toward covering losses.
Liability insurance will protect you in the event that anyone – including employees – sustains an injury on your property. Slip-and-falls can lead to something serious. Victims may go to court over it. It’s not pretty, but it’s a reality.
Speaking of employees, New Jersey requires that all employers obtain workers’ compensation coverage or approved self-insurance. An insurance agency will help you select the appropriate plan.
Open Your Doors
They don’t call it “The Garden State” for nothing. Plant your church. In such a tumultuous world, your community could use more of God’s love. Deliver it in good faith.
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 New Jersey
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
- MDiv-MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling
- MDiv-MA in Theological Studies
MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling (campus)
MA in Theological Studies (campus)
- Biblical Studies Concentration
- Theology and Public Policy Concentration
- Ministry in the Church Concentration Individualized Concentration
Princeton Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (campus)
- Black Church Studies
- Christian-Jewish Studies
- Lutheran Studies
- Theology Ecology and Faith Formation
- Theology Women and Gender
- MDiv-MA in Christian Education and Formation
- MDiv-MSW (Rutgers)
MA in Theological Studies (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Theology
- History and Ecumenics
- Practical Theology
- Religion and Society
MA in Christian Education and Formation (campus)
- Teaching
- Ministry with Young People
- Spiritual Formation and Mission
Master of Theology (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Theology
- History and Ecumenics
- Practical Theology
- Religion and Society
Saint Elizabeth University School of Arts and Sciences
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
- Catholic Studies
- Pastoral Care
- Spirituality
- Theological Studies
Possibility to combine MA with BA in Religious Studies
Seton Hall University School of Arts and Sciences
BA in Catholic Studies (campus)
BA in Religion (campus)
Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology
BA in Catholic Theology (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus)
MA in Jewish-Christian Studies (campus)
MA in Pastoral Ministry (campus)
MA in Theology (campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Moral Theology
- Systematic Theology
- Church History
- Jewish-Christian Studies
Online Christian Universities in New Jersey
Drew University Theological School
Major in Religion (campus)
Master of Divinity (online, campus, hybrid)
- Congregational Ministries
- United Methodist Congregational Ministries
- Social Justice Advocacy
- Chaplaincy Ministries
MA in Religion (online, campus, hybrid)
- General Studies
- Bible and Cultures
- Theology and Philosophy
- Religion and Society
- Self-declared
MA in Theology and Ministry (online, campus, hybrid)
Master of Sacred Theology (online, campus, hybrid)
