Your Guide to Meeting the Qualifications of a Pastor in Wisconsin

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

Whether you're interested in a career in missionary work, church leadership, or pastorship, a bachelor's degree in an area like Christian leadership, Christian studies, pastoral ministries, Christian ministries, or religious studies is an excellent way to kickstart a career in the church.

These four-year Christian degree programs provide a foundation in biblical research, biblical history, philosophy, and Christian ethics. Many times, these programs also include liberal arts courses like communications and business that produce well-rounded teachers and leaders.

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

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

Once you've completed a Christian bachelor's degree in an area like religious studies or Christian leadership, you'll be well-prepared to assume positions in ministry, evangelism, church administration, and outreach. Just some of the titles available to graduates of Christian bachelor's degree programs include youth pastor, deacon, Bible studies teacher, and missionary.

There is no shortage of ministry and church jobs available in Wisconsin. For example, the ELCA Outreach Center in Kenosha is an outreach of eight evangelical Lutheran Congregation (ELCA) churches in Kenosha. This faith-based organization provides services that help people within the community become self-sufficient. Just some of the programs offered include prescription assistance, GED classes in English and Spanish, and youth programming.

Explore Ministry Jobs with One of Wisconsin's Many Churches

Ministry jobs and church jobs are widely available through some of the biggest churches in Wisconsin. These include:

• Alliance Missionary Church, Marshfield
  
• Appleton Alliance Church
  
• Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison
• Blackhawk Church, Verona
• Celebration Church – Bayside, Green Bay
• Central Christian Church, Beloit
• Christ the Rock Community Church, Menasha
• Christian Faith Fellowship, Milwaukee
• Door Creek Church, Madison
• Eastbrook Church, Milwaukee
• Elmbrook Church, Brookfield
• Fox River Christian Church, Waukesha
• Hales Corners Lutheran Church
• Journey Church, Kenosha
• Oak Creek Assembly of God

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

Ministry graduate degrees like the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theology, and MA in Ministry are often chosen by those interested in becoming an ordained pastor and those with interest in church leadership and theological studies.

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. You'll study Christian history, biblical writings, and scriptural interpretations and learn the practical skills you'll need to become an effective leader and pastor.

Many of these programs offer a variety of specializations that allow students to personalize their program to reflect their interests and professional goals. Just some of the specializations often offered include church planting, bible languages, chaplain ministry, church history, and Christian theology.

The Master of Divinity and similar programs are increasingly available as either partially or fully online programs. Through an online ministry degree, you'll study from the comfort of your home as to allow you to continue meeting your professional and personal obligations. Most online programs feature the same, robust curriculum as their on-campus counterparts and are rich in peer communication and collaboration for a truly well-rounded course of graduate study.

Salary Expectations for Pastor Jobs in Wisconsin

Directors of religious activities and education in Wisconsin earned an average salary of $48,310 as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those at the top of the pay scale (top 10%) in this profession earned about $95,050 during this time.

Members of clergy in Wisconsin earned an average salary of $55,450, while the top earners brought home about $76,910.

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

For the inspired few, a career in the church culminates in planting their own church. Your passion for leadership and commitment to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ has led you to consider establishing your own church. It's a life-changing endeavor that also comes plenty of responsibilities – the first of which include meeting specific state and federal requirements.

In Wisconsin, planting your own church starts with reserving your church name and filing Articles of Incorporation (Form 102) with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

At the federal level, you'll then obtain a Federal Identification Number (FEIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and register your church as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You must have an FEIN before you can register your church as a nonprofit and open bank accounts.

You'll also need to file Form S-103 with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to receive a Certificate of Exempt Status number, which will provide you with an exemption from paying sales tax. If your church owns property, you'll also need to apply for a property tax exemption with the WI Department of Revenue.

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.