When it comes to becoming a pastor or Christian minister, it’s important to realize that this transition from academic training to full-blown church leadership will not necessarily happen overnight in most cases. While getting an undergraduate degree will be helpful on the job hunt, and earning a master’s degree in ministry will help tremendously in securing a more advanced position, most churches will typically want a leader with extensive experience for certain leadership roles within their congregations. It’s important to understand this professional reality when considering how long it may take to become an ordained minister in some of the more leading positions.