How To Get A Church Job Without Experience

In today's world, we are constantly bombarded by useless messages that herald a quick fix to our problems: “Sign up and get $1,000!” "This magic cream will make you look 10 years younger overnight!" “Take this to lose 10 lbs in one week - without exercising!”

The magic answer people search for in a ministry context is, “How can I get a church job if I don’t have experience?” or “What is the quickest way to get into this ministry position I know God has called me to?”

For all the candidates who are seeking a ministry position without prior experience in that role, here are four steps to getting employed in a church:

Step 1: Let it go. 

The best thing to do first is to get to a place in your heart where you are 100% open to whatever God has planned for you - even if that means never acquiring a vocational ministry job. 

Over time, you'll face some measure of “no’s” and disappointment. Then you’ll be faced with a choice: you can either make the desire to work in a church your idol who keeps disappointing, or you can choose what God has placed in front of you. Letting go doesn’t diminish your call, but it does free you to live joyfully. 

Step 2: Be excellent where you are.

Even if you’re currently selling phones or waiting tables, be the most faithful, generous, and active employee. Demonstrate that you value the calling that you feel with or without the title. If your desire is to serve, then serve zealously where you are placed. Do not wait for the placement to live out the ministry you believe in.

When you continue to serve the Lord and fulfill the mission you feel called to with or without the job title, then you can accept one when it comes at its right timing, knowing in confidence that you did not settle in impatience. In the meantime, you will grow, being prepared for the role you will eventually walk into.

Step 3: Get a mentor.

Meet with people further along on the path you desire to be on, and ask how they got there. Ask for their insights into your gifting and calling. Sometimes, we’re off in our perception of where we think we should be. Sometimes, we do not understand the Lord’s plan correctly, and that’s one of the reasons why we need the body of believers. Dive into that community.

The aim of this step isn’t to self-actualize, but to get under the wisdom of someone further along and use it to learn. Use this time to build your character in preparation for what is next. Humble yourself before a mentor who will support you well enough to point out your weaknesses.

Step 4: Be an indispensable volunteer in your church community. 

Volunteering at your church is a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to ministry and build valuable experience. By becoming an invested volunteer, you show that you are dedicated, reliable, and passionate about serving the community. This hands-on experience allows you to develop crucial skills, understand church operations, and build relationships with church leaders and members.

Volunteer experience can hold similar value to work experience in the church. Your consistent and enthusiastic service can make a lasting impression on church leadership, potentially leading to recommendations when positions become available. Volunteering also provides opportunities for personal growth, spiritual development, and the joy of contributing to the church’s mission.

By embracing these four steps, you can prepare yourself for a ministry position, demonstrating your genuine commitment to God's calling. Each step you take is a testament to your faith and dedication to the purpose behind the role you hope for.

If you are looking for direction in which skills to focus on developing to make yourself a valuable asset to any church’s team, read Be The Unicorn and explore the 12 essential traits that separate the best leaders from the rest.