Do I need a certificate of sponsorship for the Minister of Religion visa?

This is a sponsored work route, so you need an offer of a qualifying religious role from an organisation that holds a sponsor licence. The sponsor issues you a certificate of sponsorship confirming the role and that it meets the visa requirements.

Your permission is tied to that sponsor and role. If your sponsorship ends or your sponsor loses its licence, your permission can be affected, so the sponsoring organisation's standing is central to your status.