Becoming a Pastor: The Path to Ordination and Beyond
The journey to becoming a pastor is a deeply personal one that varies greatly depending on the denomination, local congregation, and individual calling. While some may require formal education and ordination through recognized institutions, others may respect personal calling and faithful ministry without formal documentation.
Personal Calling and Local Congregation
The process of becoming a pastor often begins with a personal calling to serve. This calling is recognized and affirmed by one's peers within the local congregation. In the context of many denominations, this affirmation is followed by a formal ordination process that is not solely dependent on academic credentials.
Recognition and Ordination in a Local Congregation
Within our brotherhood, advanced learning is respected but rarely the determining factor for ordination. For instance, I graduated with honors from my Bible College, yet no church has ever asked to see my credentials. A respected preacher at a growing sister church has never attended Bible college, yet he is recognized for his deep knowledge of the Bible and faithful preaching. Ordination is essentially a recognition by peers of a personal call to ministry and fitness for the task. This recognition usually begins at the local congregation, which observes an individual and requests a meeting with selected peers from other like-minded churches.
The Formal Ordination Process
Upon recognition of a personal call, potential pastors are evaluated by their peers. They must provide a thorough statement of faith and undergo questioning and evaluation by pastors, deacons, church elders, and other religious leaders. If the evaluation is positive, their peers will then express their decision to the local congregation, leading to a public ordination ceremony where the individual is officially recognized and set apart for ministry. The individual is then eligible to be addressed as Rev.
Challenges and Misconceptions About Ordination
While most reputable denominations require or at least favor candidates with Bible college or seminary training, there are individuals who may choose to forgo this process. They may opt for an easier, less formal ordination process, such as obtaining an online certificate for a nominal fee. However, such ordinations are often viewed as illegitimate and are not recognized by the larger religious community. One might even find oneself obtaining a 'doctorate' through one of the online degree mills, which are often regarded as fraudulent.
Preparing for Ministry
To truly become a pastor, it is essential to first become a part of a local congregation. Express interest in ministry or servanthood and learn the basics under the tutelage of your local pastor. Your pastor can provide guidance on your next steps towards ordination. Most denominations recommend or even require some form of Bible college or seminary training before ordination, offering varying levels of credentials on the path to ordination.
Ultimately, the path to becoming a pastor is rooted in personal calling, local congregation recognition, and training that prepares individuals for the challenging and rewarding role of ministry.