Preparing for Ministry in the Pentecostal Church

A Pentecostal ministry is characterized by frequent revivals, healing services, prophetic utterances and speaking in tongues along with an exuberant worship style. Perhaps the best way to prepare for a Pentecostal ministry is to simply attend some Pentecostal services, but there are certainly other steps you can take. Most Pentecostal denominations only ordain men as ministers, though some ordain women. Even in churches that only ordain men, women can serve in the ministry by teaching Sunday school and similar tasks. They won't necessarily need a degree, though; they can train alongside other Sunday school teachers and assist in other women's ministries in the local church.

Step One

Attend a Bible college and earn a bachelor's degree in Biblical studies. Many different denominations operate Bible colleges, but if you wish to prepare for the Pentecostal ministry, seek out a college that supports that type of ministry and worship style. You might choose to minor in pastoral counseling or something similar. Women that are not seeking to become ordained pastors may not need a degree, though it certainly won't hurt to earn one.

Step Two

Seek ordination through your local church. Various denominations have different requirements for ordination. Generally you must sign a written statement agreeing with the beliefs and practices of that denomination, as well as meeting certain educational and vocational requirements. Talk to the senior pastor at your local Pentecostal church about ordination requirements. If your local church does not ordain women, talk with the pastor about opportunities for you to engage in ministry, such as teaching Sunday school or serving shut-ins. Ordination is generally not necessary, though churches may have some standards that Sunday school teachers must meet.

Step Three

Take an assistant pastorship in a Pentecostal church. Some people new to ministry work as youth pastors to begin their work in the field of ministry. Others work as pastoral counselors. Larger churches may have more entry level positions than smaller churches. Women can find positions within their local church, which may or may not include pastorships. They can look into teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, serving shut-ins, and running programs at the church like soup kitchens or food pantries.

Sources:

Michael D. Andrews, Pastor, Mansfield, Ohio.

United Pentecostal Church International. http://doe.upci.org/aboutUs.asp . Division of Education.