![]() ![]() MDiv programs also focus on the art and practice of ministry, and students learn about worship, preaching, pastoral care and counseling, and community leadership. They also learn basic skills in the language or languages in which their texts were originally written, such as New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew. Students in MDiv programs study the religious texts and history of their faith. If a denomination or church does not require candidates to attend an affiliated divinity school, it may instead require candidates to attend a divinity school that has been accredited by an agency like the Association of Theological Schools.ĭivinity schools and seminaries offer programs that lead to a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, which is considered the professional degree for pastors in the United States. These denominations may maintain affiliations with specific divinity schools to ensure that candidates receive an education that fits with the tradition and doctrine of the church. ![]() Some denominations ordain only those who have master’s degrees from a divinity school. ![]() To prepare for a position as a pastor or minister, candidates may be required to take college courses or complete a degree program. In some churches, this is called the inquiry phase, and if the committee decides the person can move forward in the process, he or she will become a candidate or aspirant. Prospective pastors will meet with this committee and the committee will review the person’s background and qualifications to determine whether or not he or she will be a good fit for the position. Congregations may have committees that oversee the ordination of pastors and ministers. Those who are interested in becoming pastors typically start by expressing their interest to the pastor of their church. Some congregations do not ordain women, people who are divorced, or openly gay or lesbian people, for example. Depending on the denomination and individual congregation, pastors may have to meet other requirements as well. Each denomination has its own process for training and ordaining pastors and ministers, but in general, one must first be a member in good standing of one’s congregation to begin the process. What kind of training is required to become a pastor?Ĭhristian pastors must have a deep familiarity with the Bible and the doctrine of their denomination, if applicable. ![]()
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