If you've ever thought about becoming a pastor, these simple steps will effectively get you started. However, rather than thinking of this just as a job, it can also be considered a calling. A pastor doesn't just preach sermons on the weekends. His days are filled with counseling those that are hurting, preparing for a wedding, or even dealing with tedious issues around the office.

Pastors clearly are hired for one purpose, to lead a congregation. They are often impacted in ways that have no monetary value; their lives are simply touched by those whom they serve. Are you a leader? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of other people? Becoming a pastor starts with getting a theological degree. If the word "degree" scares you, then know there is a very famous pastor by the name of Joel Osteen who does not have that "degree". His undergraduate degree is in television production.http://www.wesleyreport.com/2008/11/united-methodists-and-joel-osteen.html It will be tough to get a job without it, but clearly not impossible.

There are a variety of churches and denominations today, so the key will be narrowing down exactly what denomination suits you. Ask yourself specifically, what do you believe? Every denomination has a very specific set of requirements to be a pastor so you want to make sure you follow those expectations set by that religious organization. Are you ready to learn how to become a pastor?

You have a calling, now you need to figure out what to do next, and the best way is talk to other pastors. Now, don't just stop there, talk to family members of pastors, their children, wives, brothers or sisters, people who have seen first hand what a pastor endures and can give you advice on your journey. Go and visit their specific churches and listen to their sermons. Talk to members of the church and listen to their views of the pastor. Be transparent, let them know you are working your way to the pulpit as well.

Some of the best advice comes when others can see that you are genuine and truly want to follow your passion. If you have trouble talking to strangers then it will be tough for you to stand in front of hundreds of them on a Sunday morning. Get the self-confidence you need to be bold and start talking and better yet, be a good listener too.

Sites, such as pastors.com, are a great tool where Christian leaders come together in a forum and discuss various issues, concerns, and even give advice. Some even have ministry toolboxes that sends a free newsletter to your inbox for inspirationhttp://www.pastors.com/blogs/ministrytoolbox/pages/issue-417.aspx. This can be part of your daily bread that will nourish your soul and prepare your heart for the journey.

Yes, you need to be official. According to the Association of Theological Schools, there are 201 accredited schools in the United States.http://www.ats.edu/Resources/Pages/AnnualDataTablesFactBooks.aspx Find one in your city or state and enroll. The great thing about living in the year 2010 is the access we all have to this information on the internet. You might even be able to enroll without ever leaving your house. Find classes suited for your specific needs.

The best thing to do is talk to an adviser and actually set some educational goals such as when you want to graduate, how many classes you can take in one semester, and the overall cost. The cost will also depend on which degree you want, an Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree. This will depend on your timeline, budget, and overall drive to get the job done.

While going through school you will be saturated with one thing, the Bible. The Bible is the number one book sold of all time, generating over 6,000,000,000 copies.http://www.ipl.org/div/farq/bestsellerFARQ.html You will need to add to those sales and purchase your very own. Any local Christian bookstore can help you decide which book will suit your needs best.

Although going to school might seem obvious, the outcome will create a stronger foundation for any pastor to stand behind that pulpit and preach the good news.

Whatever path you take, you will need a budget to get there. Nothing is more frustrating than starting your dream only to realize you are out of money. If you think that you are going to go out and get a loan, then pay it back within the first year, be prepared. The average salary of an American pastor with a congregation of 300 people is less than $28,000; and one out of five pastors has to moonlight for supplemental income according to The National Association of Church Business Administration. They go on to say that only 5 percent of American pastors earn more than $50,000 a year, and 14 percent earn less than $25,000http://www.crown.org/library/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=148.

Get creative and figure out ways to pay for your school and look into getting scholarships as well. Another great option is to go through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and make sure your financial foundation is just as strong as your spiritual foundation.http://www.daveramsey.com/

The great thing about becoming a pastor is that there are always volunteering opportunities that can possibly lead to permanent positions. There are also great Christian camps that will pay their staff over the summer, and if you aren't in class, then you can make some extra money to pay for classes while getting some wonderful references for your future resume.http://www.ccca.org/public/jobs/oppsearch.asp