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

Step 1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in South Dakota

A bachelor's degree in Christian leadership, Christian studies, pastoral ministries, religious studies, or a similar area provides the ideal foundation on which to build a career in ministry and in the church. Whether your sights are set on missionary work, church counseling, ministry jobs, or pastor jobs, a Christ-focused bachelor’s degree is always the ideal starting point.

These programs teach students how to interpret and teach the Bible, apply Scripture to their daily lives and ministries, and deliver the Word of God to different audiences. They also include courses in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, writing, and communications.

A bachelor's degree in an area like religious studies or Christian studies also prepares you for future study at the graduate level, if desired, in programs like a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a Master of Theology.

An educational background in Christianity and ministry allows graduates to confidently assume positions in the church and begin making a difference. In South Dakota, the value of pastors, deacons, youth ministers, and more can't be overstated. Churches here like Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Bath, which celebrated 140 years of faith in 2021, need strong leaders who can continue the church's commitment to serving the community and spreading the Gospel.

Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of South Dakota

The experience you'll gain through ministry and missionary work upon graduation from a bachelor's degree will be truly fulfilling and highly rewarding. In addition to providing you with a deep sense of purpose, it will serve as a foundation on which to build a career in ministry.

To become a pastor in South Dakota, you'll likely need to earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar graduate degree, and a Christ-focused bachelor's degree serves as the ideal foundation on which to pursue graduate study.

Explore Ministry Jobs with One of South Dakota's Many Churches

Once you've earned a bachelor's degree, you can focus your attention on becoming an integral part of a church or ministry and begin making a difference. You may be inspired to work for an outreach ministry that serves the needs of the poor and homeless in your hometown. Or perhaps international missionary work is calling to you.

For example, the work of the South Dakota Synod branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is largely focused on global missions that address poverty, hunger, and meeting human needs. ELCA sponsors mission trips to Central African Republic, Cameroon, Egypt, Nicaragua, and more.

Whatever your goals or plans may be, chances are you'll find plenty of churches in South Dakota with programs and church jobs that match your goals.

Just some of the largest churches operating in South Dakota include:

• Aberdeen First United Methodist Church
  
• Community Lutheran Church, Hill City
• Falls Church, Sioux Falls
• First Baptist Church of Parker
• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
• Grace Baptist Church, Mitchell
• Heritage Protestant Reformed Church, Sioux Falls
• King of Glory North American Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
• Living Word Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
• Mountainview Baptist Church, Custer
• New Life Church, Sioux Falls
• Second Reformed Church, Lennox
• Solid Rock Church, Spearfish
• Word of Life Pentecostal Church, Sioux Falls

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

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) and similar ministry degree programs prepare students for leadership positions in faith-based settings like churches and ministries and are what you seek if you want to learn how to become a pastor (most denominations require the MDiv or similar program to become ordained).

Courses within these programs are focused on theology and worship, Christian traditions, Gospel communication in practice, Christian ethics and leadership, and more, all of which prepare you to become an effective and successful church leader who can address the unique needs of the 21^st century church. Many also offer exciting electives and/or specialization options in areas like church planting, youth ministry, biblical languages, and pastoral care.

Many MDiv programs are offered partially or fully online for the best in convenience and flexibility. Through Master of Divinity online program, you can continue to satisfy your personal and professional commitments while completing your master's degree program through distance-based coursework.

Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in South Dakota

As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that pastors in South Dakota earned an average salary of $47,240. Those with extensive experience in the church and those working in larger churches earned salaries that more closely reflected the top 10% of earners in this profession, which was $68,330.

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

For many pastors, the pinnacle of their career includes planting their own church. It's an exciting and highly rewarding endeavor for those with the right blend of education, experience, and passion for reaching and inspiring growing numbers of people through the Word of God.

But before you can establish and grow your own church, you must ensure that you meet all state and federal requirements. In South Dakota, this means establishing a nonprofit corporation. You'll need to choose a board of directors (that includes at least three people), create your bylaws, and then prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the South Dakota Secretary of State.

You'll also need to register your church as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service and obtain a Federal Identification Number (FEIN) with the IRS. You'll use your FEIN to apply for a tax-exempt status, and you'll need it to open bank accounts and receive charitable donations.

South Dakota does not require nonprofits to register with the state before receiving charitable donations.

While there is no corporate income tax in South Dakota, you may choose to apply for tax exemption from other states. Contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue to learn more about filing for tax exemptions from other states.

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.