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What does a Pastor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A pastor is a person who is responsible for the care and direction of a church congregation. They are also responsible for preaching sermons, performing baptisms and marriages, and providing counseling and spiritual guidance to members of their congregation.

Pastor job duties include:

  • Preach sermons and give spiritual guidance to congregation
  • Plan and lead worship services
  • Develop relationships with congregation members
  • Provide counseling and support to congregation members
  • Perform baptisms, weddings, and funerals
  • Visit sick or shut-in members of the congregation
  • Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers
  • Manage church finances
  • Develop and implement church programs
  • Serve as a liaison between the congregation and community

Pastor Job Requirements

A Pastor is a religious leader who provides guidance and support to a congregation. In order to be a Pastor, one must have a deep understanding of the religion they are preaching. Most Pastors have a college degree in theology or a related field, and some may also have a seminary degree. Many Pastors also receive certification from their denomination. In addition to education and certification, experience is also important for those looking to become a Pastor. Many Pastors start out as Associate Pastors or Assistant Pastors before becoming the head Pastor of a church.

Pastor Skills

  • Preaching
  • Teaching
  • Leadership
  • Counseling
  • Discipleship
  • Evangelism
  • Missions
  • Pastoral care
  • Administration
  • Worship
  • Public speaking

Related: Top Pastor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Pastor

There is no one specific path to becoming a pastor, but there are some common steps that many people take. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're interested in becoming a pastor:

1. Get a degree in theology or a related field. This will give you a strong foundation in religious studies and help you develop your own beliefs and understanding of the Bible.

2. Consider working as a youth pastor or assistant pastor before becoming a lead pastor. This can give you valuable experience leading a congregation and working with people of all ages.

3. Be involved in your community. Attend local events, get to know the people who live near you, and volunteer your time to help those in need. People will see that you care about more than just yourself and your career, and this will make them more likely to trust you as their pastor.

4. Be patient. Becoming a pastor takes time, dedication, and hard work. It's not something that happens overnight, so don't get discouraged if it takes longer than you initially thought it would.

Related: Pastor Resume Example

Related: Pastor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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