Persuasive Pastor Resume Sample and Writing Tips

It takes more than a calling to become a pastor. That’s because there’s much more to the job than simply delivering regular sermons. Pastors provide counseling, work on administrative and management tasks, offer personalized guidance, plus create and run ministries. The above is just the tip of the iceberg. Many pastors are degreed professionals charged with managing multi-million dollar congregations. 

To get the right job, you must prove you are a fit. That starts with your pastor’s resume. Below we’ve provided some resume tips, and a pastor resume example.

Focus On Results

Although you should go over the most relevant daily tasks you perform, don’t get bogged down in that. Instead, keep your focus on your accomplishments. Essentially, what results have you delivered in any particular role that you’ve had?

Here’s an example. Rather than stating that you engaged in ministerial outreach through various channels, you could state that you managed a ministerial outreach program that resulted in a 15% increase in church membership registration.

Brevity is a Blessing

Your congregation appreciates it when you don’t let the Sunday sermon run too long. Church hiring committees also appreciate it when you don’t let your resume go longer than one page.

Be concise. Wordiness is more likely to frustrate than impress. Remember that you also have your cover letter to add additional information. Of course, you should also leave something extra for the interview too. 

Use Data

Wherever you can use numbers or other data to quantify the claims you make. This helps to add context to the points in your resume and makes your statements more credible. 

For example, you’ll make more of an impact when you mention that you helped raise $100K for the church building fund at your previous job than you would if you simply said you helped with building fundraising.

Write With Leadership Language

Ultimately, being a pastor is a leadership position. Whether you are being hired to lead a megachurch, helm a small congregation, or take on a role such as youth pastor, your duties will be managerial in nature. Someone reading your resume should be able to envision you in a leadership role.

You have to paint the right picture. That means choosing your words carefully. Avoid passive verbs and weak language. 

Consider using power words that communicate competence, confidence, and authority. Here are some examples:

• Managed
• Planned
• Budgeted
• Innovated
• Motivated 
• Trained 
• Facilitated
• Led
• Evaluated

Sprinkle these power words throughout your resume to show your leadership skills.

Double Check Your Work

Accuracy and attention to detail are key parts of this work. It’s also important to show that you care enough about the opportunity to deliver a resume that has been properly edited. Take time to check for and repair any spelling or grammar mistakes. If possible, have someone you trust read it over to ensure that it communicates the way you want it to.

Pastor Resume Sample (Word version)

Here is a brief sample resume. It exemplifies some techniques that will make your resume stand out.

Download resume example (.docx)

Pastor Resume Example (text version)

Final Thoughts: Get Help As Needed

There are so many tools to help you create a resume that is well-written, attractive, and easy to read. Consider using a resume template as a guide to building the document that best represents you!