Is Ordination Necessary to Be a Pastor?

The role of a pastor can vary significantly across different faith denominations. Most commonly, pastors are ordained, but this is not a universal requirement. In some religious traditions, non-ordained pastors absolutely exist, such as in the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, where abbesses, typically women, can serve as pastors without ordination.

Understanding the term 'pastor' and the context in which it is used is crucial. In the New Testament, 'pastor' is one of the roles assigned by Christ to serve the church:

'Christ appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service in order to build up the body of Christ.'

Ephesians 4:11

While pastors are included in this list, they are not singled out for special significance. Instead, pastors are viewed as part of a broader team, working together to build up the church.

Requirements for Being a Pastor

For most churches, especially those that operate under ordination, the process is rigorous and well-defined:

Congregational Churches: In such denominations, a person—often a man—may present themselves to the congregation and claim a call to ministry. If the congregation accepts this claim, the person can begin preaching and seeking a pastorate. This approach often relies on mutual agreement between the preacher and the congregation's governing committee.

Formal Seminaries: In many Christian traditions, becoming a pastor involves extensive training and support. Individuals typically study and pray for several years before being ordained, with the specifics varying by denomination. Grants from faith-based organizations and adherence to specific formation processes are often necessary.

Denominations like the Universal Church of God, the Church Universal and Triumphant, or for those who pursue a career in pastoral ministry, ordained status is often necessary to secure a pastoral position or be taken seriously in faith communities.

Self-Selection vs. Official Ordination

Some churches allow self-selection, where a preacher’s claim is recognized by the congregation. However, this process is often informal and may not involve the same level of training as seminary education.

Others require formal processes, with seminary studies being a critical step:

Women Ministers: In some denominations, women can also be ordained as pastors. This requires additional training and recognition by the church leaders. Such training includes religious studies, practical ministry training, and often pastoral experience under supervision.

Arrest and Persecution: While it is unlikely that one would be arrested for preaching, unless they are acting in a disrespectful or illegal manner, the chances of securing a formal pastoral position without ordination are slim.

Once ordained and trained, the process of securing a pastorate often involves finding a suitable church or parish. This is typically done through mutual agreement between the pastor and the church's governing committee. The specific requirements may vary by denomination, but the goal is always the same: to ensure that ministers are well-prepared to lead their congregations.

In conclusion, while non-ordained pastors do exist, the path to becoming an ordained pastor typically involves extensive training, mutual recognition, and adherence to the traditions and requirements of the specific denomination. Ordination is often a sign of trust and confidence in a pastor's ability to lead and serve effectively.