Online Degrees

Clergy Careers

The average value of the Master degree needed to become a Clergy is $786,968.00.

Points of Interest

• Although not required by some institutions, anyone who aims to pursue a career on this field should have sufficient knowledge of Theology, Philosophy, Psychology and social work.
• Best candidates are those who have adequate experience in religious activities, individual and group counseling, teaching, and management
• Becoming a clergy member requires certification through a proper authority.
• Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
• According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) report, the projected 2008-2018 employment change for this career is about as fast as average for all occupations.

Nature of the Work

The word “Clergy” is a generic term to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. The clergy are expected to live a righteous life. They are referred to as good role models to their churches and communities. Members of the clergy are divided into two categories: the ordained and the un-ordained. The ordained clergy are the priest and ministers who are authorized to conduct ceremonies and perform other religious duties. The un-ordained members of religious orders are the nuns, the sisters, and the brothers. Ordination is the ceremony by which a person receives spiritual authority and becomes an official member of the clergy.

In some churches like the Catholic Church, the ordination is also called the sacrament of the Holy Orders. Other major religions of the world who have clergy are Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Traditionally, the responsibilities of the members of the clergy were to take care of the ritual aspects of religious life; teach and help spread religious doctrines and practices. Today, the clergy have more responsibilities other than teaching and spreading the good news. Depending on religion, the clergy are usually on call 24/7 to provide counsel and support to the neighborhood.

A career in the clergy is exceedingly rewarding and spiritually fulfilling for one who has the passion to reach out, to inspire and to be of service to his church and community. Regardless of religion, the following responsibilities are common to the members of the clergy.

• Pray and promote spirituality Members of the clergy are expected to pray not only for themselves and for their families but also for other members of the church and the community. A common example for this is a prayer offered for the sick and the suffering.
• Prepare and deliver sermons and other talks.

Priests and pastors deliver sermons during mass to relate the good news to the realities of daily life.

• Organize and conduct religious services. Most common examples baptisms and weddings
• Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching. In addition to Catechisms and visiting communities, Christian schools also offer theology classes that integrate religious issues to students.
• Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith. Members of the clergy are responsible to guide those people who want to be converted to a respective faith.
• Counsel individuals and groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, and personal needs. They will also serve as counselors to troubled individuals in the community.
• Visit people in homes, hospitals, and prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
• Perform administrative duties Examples for this are overseeing building management, ordering supplies, contracting for services and repairs, and supervising the work of staff members and volunteers.
• Respond to request for assistance Members of the clergy have to be available especially in times of emergencies.
• Study and interpret religious laws and doctrines
• Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies One example for this is conducting pre-baptismal classes to parents of a child to be baptized.
• Train leaders of church, community, and youth groups. Members of the clergy who belong to the higher order or those who have been serving the church for a long time are responsible to train new leaders.
• Administer religious rites or ordinances. Members of the clergy are also expected to conduct ceremonies and religious celebrations
• Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers The ability to recruit reliable volunteer workers in the community is very helpful towards the success of religious activities and projects.
• Plan and conduct conferences dealing with the interpretation of religious ideas and convictions This responsibility includes scheduling group meeting to discuss and clarify religious issues.
• Participate in denominational activities aimed at goals such as promoting interfaith understanding or providing aid to new or small congregations This includes participation in fundraising activities to support the church and other religious organizations.
• Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others This includes the responsibility to encourage and build trust, cooperation and respect with others.
• Guiding, directing and motivating subordinates This includes setting performance standards and monitoring performances Work Activities
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Coaching and Developing Others
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
• Developing and Building Teams
• Developing Objectives and Strategies.
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment:
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Getting Information
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
• Interacting With Computers
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Performing Administrative Activities
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
• Scheduling Work and Activities
• Selling or Influencing Others
• Staffing Organizational Units
• Thinking Creatively
• Training and Teaching Others
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Detailed Work Activities
• Advise clients or customers
• Advise individuals regarding marriage, health, finances, or religion
• Analyze member participation or changes in congregation emphasis
• Collect details for stories or articles
• Counsel individuals in spiritual matters
• Direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• Empathize with others during counseling or related services
• Interpret doctrine of religion
• Maintain cooperative working relationships within community service
• Make presentations
• Motivate people
• Promote objectives of institution to associations, agencies, or community groups
• Refer clients to community services or resources
• Use agency mission as a guideline in social services delivery
• Use counseling techniques
• Use oral or written communication techniques
• Use public speaking techniques
• Use teaching techniques
• Write sales or informational speeches
• Maintain cooperative working relationships within community service
• Manage detailed case records in a social work setting
• Match clients to community resources
• Monitor children to detect signs of ill health or emotional disturbance
• Obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
• Prepare reports
• Promote objectives of institution to associations, agencies, or community groups
• Recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
• Recognize physical or emotional abuse
• Record client's personal data
• Refer clients to community services or resources
• Relate to clients' socioeconomic conditions
• Understand legal terminology
• Use agency mission as a guideline in social services delivery
• Use behavior modification techniques
• Use conflict resolution techniques
• Use counseling techniques
• Use current social research
• Use grief counseling techniques
• Use interpersonal communication techniques
• Use intervention techniques
• Use interviewing procedures
• Use knowledge of legal procedural rules
• Use scientific research methodology

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Education Different religions and sects vary with regard to the educational qualifications of the clergy they hire. Many Protestant ministers have a bachelor's degree in ministry, religious studies, or biblical studies. A rabbi has completed a program at a seminary, and a Catholic priest has undergone eight years of preparation. Most of them start with a four-year bachelor’s degree and another few years in the seminary. The requirements of seminaries, theological institutions and universities also vary to some extent. Some of them require graduate degrees of theological study; others may just require a bachelor’s degree.

Some institutions are not very particular about educational qualifications that they are open to hire someone who has the passion to join the vocation regardless of his educational background. The specific position to fill out also affects educational qualification requirement. Thus, those who want to pursue careers in the clergy should consult their respective religious leaders for specific educational requirements. The following are related programs available for aspiring members of the clergy.

• Theology/Theological Studies
• Divinity/Ministry
• Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies
• Rabbinical Studies
• Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other
• Pastoral Studies/Counseling
• Youth Ministry
• Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other
• Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
• Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling Fields of Study The following courses are suggested to those who are pursuing a career in the clergy.
• Biblical Language and Literature
• Biblical Studies
• Christian Studies
• Islamic Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Mental Health Counseling
• Ministry
• Missions and Missionary Studies
• Pastoral Studies and Counseling
• Philosophy
• Rabbinical and Talmudic Studies
• Religious Education
• Religious Studies
• Sacred Music
• Social Work
• Theology and Pre-Theology
• Youth Ministry

Training and Experience

Some institutions do hire candidates who don’t have adequate experience but once these candidates are called and hired, they are provided with an on-the-job training with an experienced practitioner to guide them--this training maybe more or less about specific tasks in a particular congregation or institution. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is still preferred by most hiring institutions. Licensure and Certification Becoming a clergy member requires certification through a proper authority. The Catholic Church requires its priests to be ordained to gain spiritual authority. Requirements for becoming a minister also vary by denomination.

Other Qualifications - The following knowledge and skills are preferred for an aspiring member of the clergy. I. Knowledge

1. Knowledge of Philosophy and Theology -- Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions is important to interpret biblical passages, answer or clarify religious issues and explain concepts.

2. Education and Training – Among the responsibilities of a clergy is to spread the good news and teach. Knowledge of the curriculum and instruction is vital to perform this task.

3. Knowledge of Psychology – Members of the clergy are expected to handle counseling and training for certain groups of people. An adequate knowledge of psychology will help them understand difficult situations and handle cases of different personalities and disorders.

4. Knowledge of the English Language – English is an international medium. Some clergy have to travel to different countries to perform their duties. Their knowledge of the English language especially spoken and written will help them reach out to people and spread the good news.

5. Knowledge of Foreign Language – Being able to communicate in languages other than English is an advantage especially in serving people who are not English speakers. Examples of these languages are Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and Russian.

6. Knowledge of Communications and Media -- This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

II. Skills 1. Good Speaking Skills – responsibilities like teaching and counseling require good speaking skills 2. Service Orientation – Being sensitive to others’ needs and having a genuine passion to serve are essential for an aspiring member of the clergy.

3. Social Perceptiveness – the ability to understand people and become aware of their reactions 4. Active Listening – A clergy must have good and active listening skills to do his responsibilities effectively. Giving full attention to details and asking relevant questions aid him to maximize his mission to be of service.

5. Good Writing Skills – Sometimes a clergy has to write articles relevant to religious and community issues. Being able to communicate effectively in writing is an asset. 6. Good Reading Comprehension Skills—Being able to understand and analyze any written document is also essential in performing responsibilities

7. Good Critical Thinking Skills -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 8. Judgment and Decision Making Skills – Good judgment and decision making skills are vital in managing groups of people and handling community and church issues.

9. Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong is very helpful to prevent complications and future problems. 10. Leadership Skills – A good clergy has the willingness and the ability to lead, take charge and direct.

11. Stress Tolerance – The profession may be rewarding and fulfilling but it can also be stressful and demanding. One’s ability to tolerate stressful situations is essential. 12. Concern for Others – The nature of the job is service.

A good clergy must have great concern for his fellowmen. 13. Adaptability or Flexibility - Being open to change and being able to work in different work places are also required for the job. Advancement /Potential Career Paths Once a member of the clergy becomes a minister, priest, pastor, or elder, what will be next? The answer to that question depends on his denomination, church, or if his church is not affiliated with a denomination. There are hierarchial structures or organizational structures that will map out several career advancements especially for some denominations like the Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches.

If one’s church is non-denominational, he has the option to stay and grow with the church or move to other churches. One can also advance his career by mastering other skills relevant to the responsibilities of a clergy. An example for this is writing articles or becoming an author of a book or a speaker in important gatherings and seminars. For clergy, advancement is usually in the form of working with larger congregations. Clergy may need to move from one congregation to another in order to advance. Advancement also happens when the senior clergy person retires or moves to another congregation and replaced by the junior clergy.

Employment

Since there are numerous religions in the world that need the service of a clergy, there are also numerous employment opportunities for those who aspire to be one. Members of the clergy can work in seminaries, universities, worship and spiritual centers, temples, monasteries, convents and churches. The clergy can also work in various organizations as long as they cater to religious and community service. As population continues to grow especially in urban areas, more religious establishments will be built. These would therefore open the doors to job opportunities. Members of the clergy usually work long and irregular hours. Those who do not work in congregational settings may have more routine schedules.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that in 1998, almost one-fifth of full-time clergy worked 60 or more hours a week, 3 times that of all workers in professional specialty occupations. It stated further that although many of their activities are sedentary and intellectual in nature, clergy frequently are called upon on short notice to visit the sick, comfort the dying and their families, and provide counseling to those in need. Involvement in community, administrative, and educational activities sometimes require clergy to work evenings, early mornings, holidays, and weekends. Some members of the clergy have to travel to other countries and serve as missionaries and ambassadors of goodwill.

This setting is sometimes dangerous especially for those who are visiting countries where safety is at risk. Job Outlook The U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, projected that the 2008-2018 employment change for this career is about as fast as average for all occupations. The desire to serve and practice their faith is still the main reasons why most people join this profession. According to the Payscale Report, www.payscale.com, the median salary for newly ordained Protestant ministers is $36,500 and the most experienced ministers earn a median annual wage of $49,109. The median salary for rabbis, the highest paid Clergy Professionals, is $50,000 at the beginning of their careers and $99,585 after twenty years of experience.

Related Occupations

1. Education Administrators in Elementary and Secondary Schools. -Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, clerical, or auxiliary activities of public or private elementary or secondary level schools.
2. Psychologists -Assess and evaluate individuals' problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
3. Sociologists -Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
4. Directors for religious activities and education - Direct and coordinate activities of a denominational group to meet religious needs of students. Plan, direct, or coordinate church school programs designed to promote religious education among church membership. They may provide counseling and guidance relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
5. Vocational Education teachers - Teach or instruct vocational or occupational subjects at the postsecondary level (but at less than the baccalaureate) to students who have graduated or left high school. Includes correspondence school instructors; industrial, commercial and government training instructors; and adult education teachers and instructors who prepare persons to operate industrial machinery and equipment and transportation and communications equipment. Teaching may take place in public or private schools whose primary business is education or in a school associated with an organization whose primary business is other than education.
6. Kindergarten Teachers - Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to children from 4 to 6 years old. Promote physical, mental, and social development. They may be required to hold State certification.
7. Elementary School teachers - Teach pupils in public or private schools at the elementary level basic academic, social, and other formative skills. 8. Curators- Administer affairs of museum and conduct research programs. Direct instructional, research, and public service activities of institution.

Sources of Additional Information

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos184.htm (visited October 14, 2010)
2. Internet website: http://online.onetcenter.org, Summary Report for Clergy (visited October 14, 2010.)
3. Internet website: http://www.iseek.org, Minnesota’s career, education and job resource (visited October 14, 2010)

Related Jobs

People with the educational background, skills, and desire to become a Clergy might be well suited to work as Directors, religious activities and education as well.