As Christians, central to our faith is the belief that we are called to pour into our communities and to help our neighbors. Many people, no matter their religious affiliation, share in this belief and donate some of their free time to help the common good. Whether it be volunteering, donating, organizing, representing or serving, humans want to help others and make a positive impact on their surroundings.
Church ministry lived out well means giving all these same assets to serve the church and to serve Christ. Church ministry also serves their congregation to inspire the laity toward a deeper commitment to Christ. This collective effort helps lead church ministries and share God's love with neighbors through words and actions.
How Can I Get Involved in Church Ministry?
You may already be serving your church, but there are many different forms that church ministry can take. Discovering new ways to serve or reimagining old ways will depend on how involved you intend to be. The United Methodist tradition has formalized some of the ways to become involved in church ministry, but many denominations take a similar approach.
Firstly, you can serve the church as an active lay person and church member. In this role, you can participate in prayer and worship and volunteer at your parish or through church-organized events. Some of these opportunities include:
- Visiting the hospitalized or home bound
- Participating on a church committee
- Leading small prayer or study groups
- Teaching Sunday school
- Helping with service ministries
- Attending mission trips
- And more!
This role is arguably the most attainable way to get involved in church ministry, but – if you’re looking for something deeper – earning a ministry degree might be a good option for you.
This would allow you to continue your vocation and answer your call to serve. With a ministry degree, you can fulfill numerous roles in the church, some smaller than others. These roles can take on many different vocations, including:
- Working in church music or in the choir
- Chaplain roles
- Spiritual formation
- Church office and administrative roles
- Youth ministry or Christian education
- Outreach or regional coordinating positions
- And more!
Finally, with a degree in ministry, you can also become a minister or elder in the church.* This is perfect for those who feel they have been called to serve the church in a high-level position.
As an elder or deacon in the church, you will lead your congregation in worship as well as:
- Providing pastoral care
- Serving in Worship, Sacraments, and order
- Leading communion and administering of the sacred sacraments
- Interpreting scripture
- Preaching
- Providing chaplaincy
- And more!
* Different religious denominations have various requirements for becoming an elder in the church. The United Methodist Church requires a graduate-level ministry degree.
Becoming a Servant Leader: The Next Steps
If you’re looking to get involved in church ministry, we encourage you to take the next step! Ask your parish what ways there are for you to actively serve your church. And if you find yourself already taking on ministerial tasks, or yearning for more, a ministry degree may be the next part of your journey.
Utilizing your free time to serve your church in small ways to pausing your career or vocation to go or to return to school can seem like a lot to handle, but, sometimes, you may already be doing more than you thought was possible. Seminary might be what God has in store for you. And at Perkins, we encourage you to answer your call and strengthen the gifts that you have been given.
Serve the Church and Your Community with a Ministry Degree from Perkins
At Perkins School of Theology, we are a diverse group of individuals that welcome all Christian voices. Whether you are actively involved in church ministry and feel that you have been called to more, want to strengthen your skills and gifts to continue your vocation or want to become an elder and lead a congregation, we offer the degrees to make your dreams a reality.
Move fully into the life of service that you have been called to. We also offer our hybrid program so that students can pursue going to school while also maintaining other outside responsibilities.
