There are many duties a pastor has to a congregation. If you get ordained online, be sure to do some research to know how to lead people and conduct services

During my years as a pastor, I have had the pleasure of counseling many an individual who have wanted to become a pastor. Some of these young men and women are certain ministry is their calling; they want to jump straight in and become a pastor. Others are still mulling it over ask me why I became a pastor.  I always start by telling them the same thing – I didn’t decide to become a pastor and neither did you. The calling comes to you; it comes straight from God right into your heart.

To be a successful pastor, you must not only feel the calling, but have a profound passion to serve your fellow man. If not, the challenges and demands of the ministry will be too much for you. It takes a deep-seated desire and powerful will to be a pastor. Some people mistakenly believe that being a pastor is easy, and they make a lot of money. Being a pastor is hard work, and while you don’t have to pastor for free, you will not become wealthy as a pastor. For a look at the realities of life as a pastor visit PastorBurnout.com.

If, after a lot of thought and soul searching, you still determined to become a pastor, here are the four basic steps.

1. God’s Call

The first step is out of your hands, it’s in God’s hands. Has God called you to be a pastor? You will never forget the first time you feel the call from God. For me, it came during my high school graduation. I was listening to a gentleman preach, and I can’t remember what he was saying because I was feeling an overwhelming message from God.  Loud and clear, God was telling me that I should be a preacher of the gospel. Now, I haven’t always been as level-headed and easy going as I am today. Although I felt God’s call, it took me two years to truly acknowledge and answer that call.

Is God calling you? When times are tough and you feel like quitting, knowing that God called you to ministry and is walking beside you though it all. How do you know if God is calling you? It is different for each person, but there will be signs. Two of those signs are witnesses, internal and external witnesses. We have already touched on the first internal witness. The internal witness is within you. It can take the form of a feeling that takes hold of you and does not give way. You begin to think of becoming a pastor as calling to serve rather than a career decision to make.

The second internal witness is a passion for the word of God. You have a constant thirst for God’s word. You are gaining a better understanding God’s message to his people and want to share that message with others. This requires an unwavering love for people, sinners and saints alike. A passion to preach is important, but love and compassion for your fellow man is equally important.

You will be asked to help people at the hardest times of their lives and in the best times of their lives. You will speak at a funeral one week and perform a wedding the next week. Every pastor should be given a bottomless supply of patience and love because he or she is going to surely need it. Many people have a talent for teaching and preaching, but few have the depth of love necessary to become a pastor.

External witnesses may be able to attest to God’s call on your life. Friends and family may suggest that you would make a good pastor. People may be drawn to you and begin to look to you for leadership, answers, or understanding. They treat you with respect and often ask your advice or opinion. The pastor of your church or other church leaders may notice your gifts and begin offering you more responsibility within the church community. If not, enlist the advice of your pastor. Let him or her know that you are considering a life in ministry. Ask your pastor what he sees as your strength and weaknesses as relates to entering the ministry.

If you are married, your spouse is perhaps the second most important witness, God being first. The ministry is a way of life, not a job. Your spouse is going to be drawn into that way of life. If your spouse is not supportive of your becoming a pastor, your marriage may not survive. The oath taken in marriage is no less important than that of a pastor.

Whether you call it providence, serendipity or fate, circumstances will occur that either that seem to validate your calling to be a pastor. Often, the circumstances are subtle. But over time, a picture will begin to emerge, painted by the hand of God, of your life as a pastor or a lay person.

2. Training to Become a Pastor

The second step to becoming a pastor is training. Training and education requirements vary, sometimes requiring college and seminary. Some faiths do not have a formal education requirement, but do have expectations regarding knowledge and abilities. There are many different ways to obtain the training and knowledge you need to become a pastor.  Ask one of your church leaders to be your mentor. Many college courses are offered online, and this may be a good way to start your studies. Some churches offer pastor intern programs. Universal Life Church offers several training options, including online. Training and resource material is also available online.

3. Ordination

The third step is Ordination with your home church. Your training and education should have you well prepared for the ordination process. Study the doctrine of your church, understanding its foundation, mission and history. Most churches have a committee or council responsible for ordinations. You may also be required to write an ordination paper similar to a thesis or dissertation. The committee will ask you a series of questions during a lengthy interview and make a recommendation. If they approve, you will then have a special ordination service at your church. Depending on your denomination, you may be able to get ordained online. For example, Universal Life Church offers online ordinations. Once ordained, you have the legal right to perform a wedding and a baptism.

4. Home Congregation

The final step is selecting a congregation or building your own congregation. The process is similar to a lay person’s job hunt. You prepare and send out resumes and follow-up with the churches. Hopefully you will be invited for an interview. If the church leaders are interested, they may call you as a guest pastor to speak at the church so people can get to know you. If all goes well, you will be invited back. Church leaders will want to meet with you several times and may invite the congregation to ask questions. You may also want to grow your own ministry. You can become a pastor for free and get ordained online in some cases. Most churches offer support and guidance to the pastors choosing an online ordination.

Whether you are called to serve as a pastor or decide to build your own ministry, you are now in their service. Your flock is depending on you. They will look to you for leadership, guidance, and understanding. They will sometimes come to you with heavy hearts and much sorrow. Your congregation will expect you to be there when they need you and have answers to some of life’s most challenging questions. It is for these reasons that the process to become a pastor is long and arduous. Being a pastor takes strength of will and love of people that a rare few possess.