The task of creating a ministerial resume can be daunting. The Ministry Connections Office is here to help. Take a look at our tips and sample resumes below or schedule an appointment today to get advice on your resume.

Overview

The purpose of a resume is to introduce yourself and your qualifications for a particular job. It is not the only step to finding a job in ministry but it is a very important first step. The goal is to communicate enough about yourself to get you an interview, therefore, you want to succinctly demonstrate your strengths and distinctive qualifications for a particular position.

Before You Start

• Pray

• Ask God to make the most of your efforts
• Ask God to guide you into the place where He would have you to serve

• Assess your calling and gifts

• Does this opportunity make sense for you and your family?
• Are your gifts a good fit for the needs of this ministry?
• Would this ministry give you an opportunity to be faithful to your calling?

• Think about your experience and accomplishments

• What makes you uniquely suited for this position?
• How can you highlight these qualifications in your resume?

• Think about your audience

• Are you submitting your resume to a rural congregation or an urban megachurch?
• What seems to be the culture and style of this particular church or ministry?
• Consult your potential employer’s website for ideas

• Think about your references

• Do you know anyone who would be known by this congregation or ministry?
• Do you have anyone who might submit your resume on your behalf?

Tips for Your Resume

A typical ministerial resume will include at minimum the following sections: Personal Information, Education, Ministerial Experience, Other Employment, Personal Statement, and References. Consider the following tips and sample resumes as you are preparing your own resume.

• Personal Information

• Include your name and the names of your spouse and children (if applicable)
• Include your spouse’s educational background and career experience if helpful
• Include your children’s name(s) and age(s)
• Include relevant information related to your licensing and ordination
• Provide updated contact information
• Consider creating a professional email rather than using a student account
• Consider including your interests and hobbies but be mindful of your audience
• Consider including a photo of you and your family but keep it professional and make sure to use a high-quality photo that will look good when printed

• Education

• List your most recent degree first
• Include the school, location, and degree attained
• Provide your anticipated graduate date if you are a student
• Do not include your High School or GPA

• Ministerial Experience

• Provide your title, the name of the church or ministry, and the dates of service
• List your most recent ministry experience first
• Quantify your skills and experience where possible
• Include noteworthy achievements and responsibilities
• Use action words to communicate effectively
• Use short, punchy phrases to keep it simple
• Make it easy on your reader to skim the information and get the highlights
• Include both paid and unpaid experience

• Other Employment

• Follow the same format as your Ministerial Experience but provide less details
• Do not include every job you have ever had
• Demonstrate your work ethic and fill in any gaps in your personal timeline

• Personal Statement

• Brief explanation of your conversion and call to ministry
• Communicate your vision for the ministry that you are applying for or your general ministry objective

• References

• Provide 3-4 references from various backgrounds (school, ministry, etc.)
• Include their relationship to you and updated contact information
• Obtain their permission before including them on your resume

Sample Resumes