Long considered the “buckle” of the country’s Bible Belt because of its centralized location and strict devotion to a socially conservative Christian (largely Protestant) culture and religious identity, Tennessee is where religion isn’t something that’s just done on Sundays. It’s a way of life here, and it’s safe to say that the Volunteer State is where you’ll find some of the most devout Christians in the country.
According to the Pew Research Center, 81% of all Tennessee adults identify as Christians. Of those, 73% are Protestants (with the overwhelming majority – 52% - evangelical) and just 6% are Catholic. What’s even more interesting is that 71% believe that religion is a very important part of their lives.
Religion here is even deeply ingrained in politics, with Governor Bill Lee’s commitment to a faith-based state resulting in the 2019 creation of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. This state office brings together faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders at the state and local levels to implement programs and initiatives aimed at making a better life for all Tennesseans.
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Fact is, Tennessee is where the Word of God inspires faithful followers of Jesus Christ to spread the Good News and live it daily. It’s also where your Christian faith and personal calling to minister to others can become a life-changing career in the church.
Here are the steps you’ll want to take to fulfill your calling and learn how to become a pastor in Tennessee:
Steps to Become a Pastor in Tennessee
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Studies or Other Similar Major in Tennessee
A bachelor’s degree in Christian leadership, Christian studies, pastoral ministries, religious studies, Christian ministries, or the like provides students with the foundation off of which to build exciting careers in the church. Whether you’re seeking a career in missionary work, ministry and outreach, or church leadership, your always well-served by first earning a Christian-based bachelor’s degree.
A degree at the bachelor’s level is a comprehensive endeavor, providing you with a biblical, theological, philosophical, and historical foundation of Christianity while also preparing you to become an effective communicator and inspiring leader. And for those with future plans to become a pastor or other church leader, a bachelor’s degree in an area like Christian studies provides the ideal preparation for further study at the graduate level through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar degree.
Step 2. Look for Ministry Jobs and Gain Experience Serving the People and Churches of Tennessee
With a faith-based bachelor’s degree in your back pocket, you’re well-qualified to assume any number of church roles. And thanks to the religious landscape of Tennessee, church and ministry jobs are plentiful.
For example, the Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry and Reentry Center serves men, women, and juveniles in prison and the children of the incarcerated. The programs offered here provide both financial and educational support to help the incarcerated live full, productive lives after prison and restore their faith.
Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville is home to about 20 ministries that include a health and wellness ministry, seniors ministry, children and youth ministry, and new partners ministry.
Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Tennessee's Many Churches
Youth minister, church counselor, deacon, administrator — these are just some of the church jobs you’ll find in Tennessee. Some of the large churches in Tennessee where abundant professional opportunities are often found include:
- Abba's House/Central Baptist, Hixson
- Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova
- Bethel World Outreach Center, Brentwood
- Brentwood Baptist Church
- Brentwood United Methodist Church
- Central Church, Collierville
- Christ Church, Nashville
- Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville
- Cokesbury United Methodist Church, Knoxville
- Cornerstone Assembly of God, Madison
- Cummings Street Missionary Baptist, Memphis
- Dallas Bay Baptist Church, Hixson
- Englewood Baptist Church, Jackson
- Ethos Church, Nashville
- Faith Baptist, Bartlett
- Faith Promise Church, Knoxville
- Fellowship Bible Church Nashville
- Fellowship Bible Church, Jackson
- Fellowship Evangelical Free Church, Knoxville
- First Baptist Church, Clarksville
- First Baptist Church, Hendersonville
- First Baptist Church, Sevierville
- First Baptist Cleveland
- First Baptist Concord, Knoxville
- Germantown Baptist Church
- Grace Baptist Church, Knoxville
- Grace Chapel, Franklin
- Grace Community Church, Clarksville
- Hope Presbyterian Church, Cordova
- Life Church of Memphis, Cordova
- Long Hollow Baptist Church
- Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Memphis
- Mount Zion Baptist Church, Nashville
- New Creation Church, Shelbyville
- New Direction Christian Church, Memphis
- New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro
- North Boulevard Church of Christ, Murfreesboro
- Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis
- Sevier Heights Baptist Church, Knoxville
- Silverdale Baptist Church, Chattanooga
- Stephen Baptist Church, Memphis
- The Life Church, Memphis
- The People's Church, Franklin
- World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church, Memphis
Salary Expectations for Church Ministry Jobs in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in church and ministry positions earned an average salary of $26,740 as of May 2020. Individuals with more experience and/or those working in larger churches earned about $47,660 during this time, which represents the top 10% of earners in the state.
Step 3. Earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Similar Graduate Degree in Tennessee and Establish Your Role in Christian Leadership
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) or similar graduate degree is largely seen as a required step for learning how to become a pastor and becoming ordained. Through a ministry master's degree, you'll study the Scripture, the Christian tradition, and the ministerial skills you'll need to effectively serve as a spiritual leader in your community. Biblical knowledge, missional leadership, and practical ministry training are all part of the MDiv, making it the ideal program for future pastors, ministers, and theologians.
Many of these programs offer specialization options in areas like youth ministry, missionary ministry, and church planting. Many are also offered in a partially or fully online format. Master of Divinity online programs provide today's students with the flexibility to pursue their ministry degree while also maintaining their professional obligations.
Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Tennessee
Directors of religious activities and education in Tennessee earned an average salary of $73,560 as of May 2020, while those with considerable experience and those working for larger church organizations and ministries earned about $110,930, which represents the top 10% of earners in the state.
Clergy members in Tennessee earned an average salary of $50,080, while the top 10% earned about $82,910 during this time.
Step 4. Consider Forming a Christian Ministry of Your Own in Tennessee
If you're among the inspired few, a career in ministry in Tennessee includes planting a church of your own. Starting your own ministry is a personally and spiritually fulfilling venture that allows you to grow the church community by inspiring others to live a life with Christ.
When forming your own church, you'll need to make sure you're adhering to all state and federal guidelines. In Tennessee, you'll need to first form a Tennessee nonprofit organization, which involves the following:
- Choosing an initial board of directors (must include at least three people)
- Choosing a name for your church
- Appointing a registered agent (someone who will accept all legal papers on the church’s behalf) with a physical address in Tennessee
- Creating your church’s bylaws (must include all rules and procedures as required by Tennessee law)
- Establishing your nonprofit organization by filing a Certificate of Incorporation (called a charter) with the Tennessee Secretary of State
You’ll then need to obtain a Federal Identification Number (FEIN) and register your church as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll need a FEIN to file your returns and receive donations.
Once you have created your nonprofit organization, you’ll file a federal tax exemption (IRS form 1023) with the IRS and a Tennessee state tax exemption with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
As a nonprofit organization in Tennessee, you’ll need to file an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
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 Tennessee
Belmont University College of Theology and Christian Ministry
BA in Biblical Languages (campus)
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Leadership (campus)
BA in Church Leadership and Administration (campus)
BA in Faith and Social Justice (campus)
BA in Ministry (campus, hybrid)
BA in Philosophy of Religion (campus)
BA in Religion and the Arts (campus)
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
BA in Worship Leadership (campus)
BA in Faith and Social Justice (campus, hybrid)
BS/BA in Ministry (campus, hybrid)
Bachelor of Music in Church Music (campus)
Master of Music (campus)
Johnson University
Major in Bible and Theology (campus)
Major in Creative Arts Ministry (campus)
Major in Ministry Leadership (campus)
Major in Missions (campus)
Major in Religious Studies (campus)
Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership (campus)
MA in New Testament (campus)
- Research
- Preaching
- Spiritual Formation and Leadership
Lee University School of Religion/Department of Theology
BS/BA in Discipleship Ministry (campus)
BA in Intercultural Studies (campus)
BA/BS in Pastoral Ministry (campus)
BA/BS in Youth Ministry (campus)
BS in Biblical and Theological Studies (online, campus)
BA/BS in Theological Studies (campus)
BA/BS in Christian Studies (campus)
BA/BS in Ministry Leadership (online) - LE Online
MA in Biblical and Theological Studies (online) - LE Online
MA in Ministry Studies (online) - LE Online
- Leadership
- Practical Theology
- Worship
- Youth/Family
Lipscomb University College of Bible and Ministry
BA in Children’s Ministry (campus)
BA in Theology and Ministry (campus)
BA in Mission, Ministry and Leadership (campus)
BA in Worship Arts (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus, hybrid)
MA in Christian Ministry (campus, hybrid)
Master of Theological Studies (campus, hybrid)
- Scripture
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Theology & History
Mid-South Christian College
Bachelor of Christian Leadership (campus)
Bachelor of Christian Ministry/Missions (campus)
- Preaching
- Missions
Bachelor of Christian Education (campus)
- Youth Ministry
Milligan University School of Bible and Ministry
BA in Bible and Theological Studies (campus)
BA in Children’s Ministry (campus)
BA in Church Leadership (campus)
BA in Intercultural Studies - Missions (campus)
BA in Student Ministry (campus)
BA in Worship Leadership
Master of Divinity (campus) - Emmanuel Christian Seminary
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Church History
- Historical Theology
- Christian Theology
- Christian Care and Counseling
- Christian Ministries
- Christian World Mission
- Christian Spiritual Formation
MA in Christian Ministries (campus)
MA in Religion (campus)
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Church History
- Christian Theology
- Historical Theology
Southern Adventist University School of Religion
BA in Biblical Studies (campus)
BA in Missions (campus)
BA in Pastoral Care (campus)
BA in Religious Education (campus)
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
BA in Theology (campus)
MA in Religion (campus)
Master of Ministry (campus)
Treveca Nazarene University
BS in Music and Worship (campus)
BA in Religion Philosophy (campus)
BA in Religious Studies (campus)
BA in Christian Ministry (campus)
MA in African American Worship Studies (campus)
MA in Church and Community (campus)
MA in Theology and Biblical Studies (campus)
MA in Worship Studies (campus)
Union University School of Theology and Missions
Major in Christian Ministry and Missions (campus)
Major in Theological Studies (campus)
Major in Biblical Studies/Languages (campus)
Major in Christian Studies (campus)
Bachelor’s in Christian Leadership (online) - School of Adult and Professional Studies
Bachelor in Urban Theological Studies (campus) - MCUTS
BA/BS of Music (campus) - Department of Music
- General
- Biblical Counseling
- Missions
- Pastoral Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Sport Ministry
Master of Christian Studies (campus)
University of the South (Sawnee) School of Theology
Major in Religious Studies (campus) - College of Arts & Sciences
Master of Divinity (campus)
MA (campus)
- General track
- Concentration in Bible
- Concentration in Church History
- Concentration in Theology
- Concentration in Religion and the Environment
Master of Scared Theology (campus)
- General track
- Anglican Studies track
Vanderbilt University Department of Religious Studies
Major in Religious Studies (campus)
Master of Divinity (campus) - Divinity School
- Black Religion and Culture Studies
- Chaplaincy (MDiv only)
- Pastoral and Prophetic Congregational Leadership (MDiv only)
- Global Christianities and Interreligious Encounter
- Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
- Prison and Carceral Studies
- Religion and the Arts
- Religion Gender and Sexuality
- Spirituality and Social Activism
MA in Religious Studies (campus)
- Critical Studies in Asian Islamic and Jewish Traditions
- Ethics and Society
- Hebrew Bible
- Historical Studies
- Homiletics and Liturgics
- Jewish Studies
- New Testament
- Early Christianity
- Religion Psychology and Culture
- Theological Studies
MA in Theological Studies (campus)
- Black Religion and Culture Studies
- Global Christianities and Interreligious Encounter
- Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
- Prison and Carceral Studies
- Religion and Economic Justice
- Religion and the Arts
- Religion Gender and Sexuality
- Spirituality and Social Activism
Master of Theology (campus)
Visible Music College
MA in Worship (campus)
Online Christian Universities in Tennessee
Freed University College of Biblical Studies/Graduate School of Theology
BA/BS in Bible (campus)
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Biblical Languages
- Apologetics
- Ministry
- Missions
- Church History
- Chaplaincy
MA in Ministry (online, campus)
- Preaching
- Missions
- Leadership
MA in Old Testament (online, campus)
MA in New Testament (online, campus)
MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling (online, campus)
King University
BA in Religious Studies (online, campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Philosophy
- Theory and Method in Religious Studies
- Youth Ministry
Memphis Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (online, campus, hybrid)
MA in Christian Ministry (online, campus, hybrid)
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry
- Christian Education
- Social Justice
- Methodist Ministry
- Chaplain Studies
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (online, campus)
- Biblical Studies
- Historical Studies
- Theological Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Children's Ministry
- Discipleship and Christian Formation
- World Mission and Evangelism
- Ministry Leadership
- Community Development and Urban Care
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Counseling/Marriage and Family
Master of Theological Studies (online, campus)
MA in Christian Studies (online, campus)
MA in Church Ministries (online, campus)
- Discipleship & Ministry Leadership
- Global Pentecostalism & Mission
- Congregational Care & Counseling
Welch College Adult and Online Studies
BS in General Christian Ministry (online)
BA/BS in Theological Studies (campus) - School of Theology
- General Christian Ministries
- Pastoral Ministry
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Intercultural Studies
Master of Divinity (campus) - Welch Divinity School
MA in Theology and Ministry (campus)
