Pastors serve their communities as religious educators, family counselors and youth leaders. Congregations are searching for pastors with strong leadership abilities and a passion for the Christian message. Cover letters encourage potential employers to read your resume and determine why you may be the ideal candidate for their open pastor position. Personalize each cover letter you write specific to each job opening and explain the unique reasons why you’d fit in each individual congregation.

Personalize the cover letter by addressing it to a particular contact person, such as a senior pastor or church leader who is in charge of employing the new pastor. If you do not know the name of a contact person, address the letter to “Friends in Christ” or similar. Make sure you have the correct spelling of the person’s name and title.

State how you learned about the job opening and whether you have already been in contact with the individual to whom you are addressing the letter. Identify the position for which you are applying and summarize your strongest qualifications. This should all be done in the first paragraph of your cover letter.

Write the second paragraph about your passion for the Christian message, why you are interested in working for that particular ministry, and any qualifications, experience and abilities that make you a suitable candidate. Do not simply list what you have already included in your resume, but go into more detail about each qualification.

Thank the church for their time in the third and final paragraph of the cover letter. Encourage them to contact you if further information is needed. Sign the letter and print your name with a salutation such as “Serving Him Together” or similar.