Hello I’m Ajay
How to change status from f1 to r1 ?
I think you need to get a job offer from a religious organization first. Then you can do the change status with USCIS by submitting the I-129 form.
The employer must be a nonprofit religious organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status. if your employer fulfill this requirment, you can submit I-129 form. you don’t need to leave the US while waiting for I-129 to be approved.