Consider Becoming a New Church Minister
The New Church Ministry allows these men of God to:
- Get paid for spreading the Truth and good news that is the Holy Bible, growing their wisdom and ability to serve others.
- Engage with their congregation when it matters the most: sanctifying a couple's vows of eternal marriage, baptizing new angels into the faith of the church, or offering counsel and comfort in times of need.
- Be the good shepherd for their people.
These men are there to offer in light in times of darkness and to celebrate in times of joy.
To Learn More About This Rewarding Career
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How Do I Become a New Church Minister?
- The journey to becoming a minster in the General Church begins by enrolling in our Master of Divinity program through the Theological school of Bryn Athyn College.
- This master's level program offers three different pathways to completing the studies, including full-time and part-time enrollment, as well as in-person and distance learning models.
Testimonials From Our Clergy
Driving Energy
When we asked members of the ministry, “What was your favorite thing from your work as a General Church minister in the past week that got you excited to get out of bed this week?” they responded:
- Asking and receiving questions on happiness, judgment, and relationships.
- Guiding someone as they connect with spiritual truths and watching their eyes light up with understanding.
- Leading groups as they share their understanding and application of the Lord's teachings.
- Talking with people about New Church concepts to make sense of actual life.
- Preaching in the Sunday service and engaging as a church community.
- Sharing a message from the Word in a way that invited people to hear and respond.
- Getting to share the Lord's message with those unacquainted with His Word.
- Living a life according to the Lord's Ten Commandments.
- Laying out a year's worth of chapels for the school.
- Performing an outdoor baptism for an adult to establish their connection with the Church.
- Renewing my relationship with the Lord through prayer and reading to better serve others.
- Connecting people with New Church books to help them make sense of life.
- Interacting with members of the congregation ... that's where the rubber meets the road.
- Being humbled and delighted by the trust of others who are struggling to seek a path forward.
Buried Treasure
When we asked members of the ministry, “What was the hidden gem that you discovered in performing your role as a General Church minister that you wish more people knew about?” they responded:
- Studying the Word and then sharing it with people fills me with wonder at the Word and gratitude to the Lord.
- Sharing a message from the Word and seeing people who have never heard of the New Church respond with affirmation or excitement, realizing that the Word can indeed make sense and apply to their lives.
- Researching the Writings, compiling quotes by their own linkage, so that nothing of your own ideas could creep in.
- Sitting with someone in their home or hospital room—just being present, listening, praying—often reveals profound moments of grace and connection.
- Sharing silence, the gentle gesture, the reminder that they're not alone—that often speaks the loudest.
- Helping people learn the truth involves being "dumb," as in not speaking. It involves deep, personal, engaging, compassionate listening: the ministry of presence.
- Discovering internal peace. Faith is not blind—it's deeply explored, personally applied, and constantly renewed.
- Trusting in the Lord's Divine Providence in one's life, in general, and particularly regarding how one's career in this world might unfold.
- Feeling so comfortable and happy about doing this work. It literally gets better every year.
- Moving to congregations in different cities and countries, living in other cultures, builds an enormous degree of empathy and respect that allows you to continually improve at helping people understand and love the Word.
- Helping a couple approach the Lord to make promises and then live together as married partners is a humbling gift.
- Serving in the most significant moments in people's lives — marriage, having children, teaching children, and the transition of death — is challenging but an incredible honor and blessing.
Elevator Pitch
When we asked members of the ministry, “What would you want to tell a person to help them want to become a minister for the General Church?” they responded:
- Becoming a General Church minister means stepping into a life of deep purpose and service. It's not just a profession—it's a calling to walk alongside people through the whole arc of human experience: joy, grief, questions, and transformation. I am getting to explore profound spiritual truths, not just for myself, but as nourishment for others. Every sermon, visit, and conversation is an opportunity to bring light, clarity, and hope into someone's life. What makes it truly unique is the depth of theology we get to live and share—truths that meet people where they are and gently lead toward heaven. And there's joy in the unexpected: seeing spiritual growth in the unlikeliest moments, receiving wisdom from children, or witnessing quiet miracles in hospital rooms. If my heart stirs at the thought of helping others find meaning and peace, and if my love for learning and longing to serve, then ministry may be the most incredible adventure I've ever known.
- Imagine a career that allows you to present the most central and vital ideas and life skills that shape the eternal destiny of the human race. There is no greater calling... no higher purpose... no more awe-inspiring opportunity! To think we get paid for this! Absurd. You will want to pay for the privilege!
- Imagine having a job that you can be certain will have a profoundly beneficial effect on this planet for thousands of years. There is nothing more critical to the future of the world than the spiritual state of its inhabitants. The New Church is the key, one that is known to far too few. But it is certain that eventually it will be known to everyone, and that it will have its beneficial effect, and you can take part in that work, on the ground floor.
- Becoming a minister in the General Church is a calling to serve others with wisdom, compassion, and a deep love for the Lord's Word. It's a path for those who want to make a real difference—not just in individual lives, but in communities and generations to come. As a minister, you'll be entrusted with guiding people through life's most meaningful moments—regeneration, marriages, spiritual awakenings, and even loss—always pointing them toward Divine truth and heavenly purpose. The General Church uniquely emphasizes a thoughtful, rational approach to Scripture, inviting you to explore deep spiritual insights grounded in the New Church doctrines. Suppose you're drawn to meaningful conversations, spiritual growth, and helping others connect with the Lord in practical and personal ways. In that case, this ministry offers a life rich with purpose. It's not just a job—it's a lifelong mission of love, service, and truth. If that inspires you, you're already on the path.
- I went into Theological school knowing that I was weak in 3 areas. I didn't enjoy public speaking, I disliked reading, and I struggled with writing. I have come to understand that the Lord doesn't just call the smartest or most eloquent to work in His field; He calls those who have a passion for reaching people. If you are willing, He will use your unique talents and challenge you to grow in ways you never thought possible.
- I switched careers from being a Landscape Architect and business owner to becoming a priest of the General Church and have never regretted doing so. Theological School required a lot of work, and moving my family was challenging. Still, the rewards of studying the Heavenly Doctrine intensively for three years far outweighed the downsides. After finishing the training and starting active work in the priesthood, I noticed that the benefits of the work I was doing were far more fulfilling than my previous occupation because it was focused on helping people spiritually.
- It's not a job; it's not a career; it's a mission, and the Lord needs people (like you?) who are competent, committed, humble, personable, and eager to learn and share the Heavenly Doctrine as the best, if not the only way to bring true light and healing to a desperately needy world. Neither science, nor medicine, nor engineering, nor even the arts and humanities can get to the root causes of what ails our civilization. Still, the Heavenly Doctrine DOES, and it does so in spades – if we can only show people how wonderfully it does, as we lead them to the Lord in His Second Coming.
What Sets the New Church Apart?
- Our New Church Ministers are guided by principles and doctrine of the General Church; read more About the New Church.
- These Core Beliefs enable our minsters understand the inner meaning of the Holy Bible, which helps lead and guide them and their followers to living a loving, good, and useful life.