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:
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
On the job, you would:
Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
Publicize programs through sources, such as newsletters, bulletins, or mailings.
Arts and Humanities
philosophy and religion
English language
Business
customer service
management
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Math and Science
psychology
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
changing what is done based on other people's actions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
use rules to solve problems
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.