How to Make Myself a Reverend

A reverend is one of the leaders of a church.

Some people feel led to a life of ministry as a reverend. The word "reverend" means worthy of reverence, and having "reverend" as a job title carries immense respect and responsibility. Most people consider that becoming a reverend is an honorable calling, and the process may take place in many ways, depending on the religious sect in which you would like work.

Instructions

1. Determine in which religious sect of your chosen religion you wish to become a reverend. Because different sects may have distinct doctrines that they follow, develop a full understanding of what you believe in order to find a church that is a correct fit. Research the varying doctrinal beliefs of the religious sects you consider to discover the one sect that matches your personal spiritual beliefs best.

2. Contact your area's sect to learn about its education and/or training requirements necessary to serve as a reverend, and complete all of those requirements. Some may require at least a four-year bachelor's degree while others might need you to complete courses at a seminary or divinity school. Still others may require only training and an apprenticeship under a senior pastor in the church.

3. Decide whether you want to form a new church or organization as the lead reverend or step into an existing position at an already established church. For the latter, you may search a church's website or contact it to determine whether or not job openings exist. If you would like to start your own church, obtain the appropriate business licenses and permits, which vary by location and usually are available on an area's governmental website.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact organizations or churches in your location to ask questions. Requirements for reverends may vary greatly among churches and states.

• Become involved in your church community. Volunteer to minister in some way in order to gain experience working within a congregation and to establish personal references with people regarding ministry.

• Although being a reverend is an honorable profession, the field is competitive. It is important to to build and maintain a large enough congregation to sustain your ministry.

References

• Merriam-Webster: Reverend
• Fuller Theological Seminary: How to Choose a Seminary; Richard J. Mouw, Ph.D.

Resources

• UnivSource: Theology Schools in the United States of America