Both clergy and religious activities and education directors strive to develop and sustain a healthy spiritual life for their congregations. Clergy: known as rabbis, ministers, priests, imams, and other titles, conduct religious worship and provide spiritual and moral guidance to members of a congregation. They maintain the practices and beliefs of a particular religious faith or denomination. Clergy typically study sacred texts and write and deliver sermons or talks based on their religion’s teachings. They conduct rituals at events such as weddings and funerals, and visit people to provide support in difficult times. They also perform administrative duties to support their congregations and keep facilities running, including fundraising, hiring staff, and training volunteers. They may be called on to lead, or represent their religion or community in public dialog, and in times of emergency. Religious activities and education directors coordinate programs for a congregation, and may provide counseling and guidance to members. They plan the details for events such as classes and camps, from choosing materials, reserving space, and finding speakers, to recruiting and training instructors. They may also lead groups and discussions, and write articles for publications. Generally, clergy need a graduate degree in theology, divinity, or a related field, along with several years of work experience. Religious education and activities directors often need a bachelor’s degree, though it is not always required, and previous related work experience.
What they do:
Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
On the job, you would:
Pray and promote spirituality.
Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
Arts and Humanities
philosophy and religion
English language
Health
therapy and counseling
Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Memory
remember words, numbers, pictures, or steps
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Concern for Others
Dependability
Leadership
Self Control
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Instant messaging software
GroupMe
Twitter
Electronic mail software
Email software
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed