When working in the church, there are many roles you can fulfill that provide different levels of involvement. Being a pastor, also known as an elder or presbyter in Greek, means carrying a large responsibility, but it comes with great reward. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is A Pastor or An Elder In The Church?
A pastor or leader in the church varies from each denomination. They are responsible for the primary leadership and oversight of a church.
The Bible refers to church leaders many times as an instrumental part of its overall being and existence. The pastor of the church can also be referred to as the overseer or shepherd of the church or congregation.
What Is The Role Of A Pastor In The Church?
Pastors hold various roles in their church, including:
- Leading and serving the congregation
- Presiding in worship and celebration of sacraments
- Teaching and guiding their parishioners
- Administering pastoral care (learn more about pastoral care here)
Arguably, the hardest yet most rewarding part of fulfilling the role of a pastor is the commitment to servant leadership and serving others.
How Do You Become A Leader In The Church?
It’s always best to first check with your church and its requirements; however, most denominations require a graduate ministry degree. Perkins School of Theology offers many degree programs, but we recommend that those who’d like to serve as the main leader or elder earn the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree.
The M.Div. is perfect for those who are longing to become a pastor or an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church or a church of a different Christian denomination and want to lead, teach, serve in Word and sacrament, preach and administer communion and guide your congregation. We are also proud to offer the M.Div. degree as a hybrid option as well as in-person.
In order to be accepted into the M.Div. program at Perkins, you’ll need:
- Academic transcripts showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in a liberal arts undergraduate program
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body
- Three letters of recommendation, a resume and an essay
Is Becoming A Church Leader Best For You?
Assessing where you stand and determining what kind of future you envision for yourself can help determine if becoming an elder is best for you.
Ask yourself:
- “What stage of life am I in now?”
- “Am I just discovering my gifts or do I want to continue to develop the gifts I am already using?”
- “Have I been called to ministry?”
- “Do I possess Christian leadership skills that can help spiritually guide others?”
- “Do I have the gifts needed to care, serve and lead others?” If so, “Do my God-given gifts mentally and emotionally affect and connect with others in a meaningful and positive way?”
- “Do I want to strengthen my gifts and talents for vocational ministry, or prepare myself to serve with excellence in the church?”
Stepping back and asking yourself these questions can help determine if the M.Div. Pathway is right for you. And if you said yes to most or all of those questions, the M.Div. Degree at Perkins awaits you!
Strengthen Your Christian Leadership Skills And Start Your Path To Becoming A Church Leader
At Perkins School of Theology, we help our students to become the leaders of tomorrow. And you could be next!
We welcome you to join us and play an increasingly meaningful role in a community of lively dialogue that encourages deep thought and honest reflection. At Perkins, it is our expectation that you will graduate not only with a clearer understanding of yourself but also with a broader and more sympathetic understanding of the beliefs of others.
Leaders who are qualified to serve in the church can emerge in tensions and spaces that challenge you. At Perkins, we provide the challenge so that you can become a leader in a space that allows you to lead.
At Perkins, we offer many graduate programs and pathways for your vocational goals.
How can you discern your call with a theology or ministry degree?
If you have any questions, we encourage you to book a meeting with us.
