How Does a Pastor Get Ordained?

The Calling

The ordination process varies by religion, but a basic outline of the overall process can be provided. Most organized religions feel that working as a minister is not really a job but more of a calling. If you feel that you have been called to the ministry, your first step should be to talk to the pastor of your church. If your pastor agrees that the ministry could be a good calling for you, she can help you get in contact with your local church organization. The local organization will meet with you and choose whether or not to sponsor your attendance to a seminary school. Your local organization may also perform a background check on you and may choose someone to mentor you as you go through seminary school.

Seminary School

If approved by your local organization to become an ordained minister, you will need to enroll in a seminary school, where you will earn a Master of Divinity degree or something very similar. You will usually not be allowed to enroll in a Master of Divinity program without a bachelor's degree, your college transcripts, at least one letter of recommendation and the sponsorship of your church's local organization. Most degree programs require an internship in addition to a certain number of credit hours. Although it does not happen often, it should be noted that you may be removed from your degree program at any time if your local church governing organization withdraws its support of you for any reason.

Ordination Decision

During or after your time in seminary school, you may be required to attend some clinical training education. Once you have completed your education, you will write and present a paper about the ministry and ordination to your local church organization. You will be interviewed by your church group and asked to discuss the ministry and the paper you prepared. It is at this time that the group decides whether to ordain you or not. The people making the decision about your ordination will want to know that you understand not just the scripture you will be interpreting for people but the amount of work and service involved in the ministry. If the group chooses to ordain you, an ordination ceremony will be scheduled.