Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in South Carolina

Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in South Carolina and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership

Your career path in the church may also include becoming an ordained pastor or other senior-level church leader. In most cases, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar advanced degree like the Master of Theology or an MA in Ministry is the next step for those with aspirations of reaching the position of church pastor.

The MDiv and similar master's programs provide students with the theological and practical training necessary to learn how to become a pastor and assume a wide range of ministry leadership careers in the church. Through the Master of Divinity, your study of the Scriptures will be complemented with courses that will make you an effective and inspirational speaker and leader.

Many master's programs like the MDiv are offered either partially or fully online, thereby allowing students to earn their graduate degree while they continue to meet their professional and personal obligations with the church. Many online ministry degree programs like the Master of Divinity online also offer a variety of concentrations like global studies, ministry studies, pastoral care, and youth ministry leadership.

Salary Expectations for in South Carolina

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, directors of religious activities and education in South Carolina earned an average salary of $73,200 as of May 2020. The top earners in this field (top 10%) - likely those with extensive experience and those working for larger churches - earned about $107,640.

Clergy members in South Carolina earned an average salary of $47,790. The highest paid pastor jobs (top 10%) earned about \$70,420 during this time.

Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in South Carolina

Ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey? With an MDiv or similar degree and extensive experience in the church, you can transform your aspirations of planting your own church into reality. It's an exciting opportunity that will allow you to realize your dreams of ministering to the people of South Carolina through a church of your own.

While your passion for spreading the Word of God, your leadership abilities, and your strong work ethic will prepare you for success, you must also ensure you follow all state and federal laws associated with planting your own church.

In South Carolina, you'll need to establish your nonprofit organization by writing your mission statement, establishing a board of directors, and creating and writing your bylaws. You'll then need to file your nonprofit by filing your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.

If you plan to ask for contributions, you must file a registration statement annually with the Secretary of State. All registered charities in South Carolina must also file an annual financial report with the Secretary of State each fiscal year.

You'll also need to get your own Federal Employer Tax Identification number through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and then file a 1023 tax exempt application as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You'll need to do this before you can receive any grants or tax-deductible donations.

Finally, you'll want to apply for local property tax exemption on your real property or vehicles by contacting the SC Department of Revenue at 803-898-5473.

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.