Clergy
SOC 21-2011.00 · ESCO 2636 · OSCA 269331
Role snapshot
Overview
Leads worship services, delivers sermons, and provides spiritual guidance and pastoral care to a faith community. Officiates ceremonies, visits the sick, counsels members through life transitions, and organises community outreach programs.
Provides spiritual leadership, fosters community well-being and moral development, and offers comfort and guidance during significant life events and challenges.
On the job
- Prepare and deliver sermons, religious lessons, and spiritual messages for worship services and educational programs
- Provide pastoral counseling, spiritual guidance, and emotional support to individuals and families
- Officiate at religious ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other rites of passage
- Organise and lead community outreach initiatives, volunteer efforts, and social justice programs
- Visit sick, elderly, or homebound congregants in hospitals, homes, or care facilities
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A Master's degree in Divinity (M.Div.), Theology, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a period of supervised ministry and formal ordination or licensure processes specific to the denomination.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Clergy
Social Services
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SEA
Individuals who are deeply motivated by helping and guiding others, enjoy leading groups, and appreciate the creative aspects of communication and community building often find this role fulfilling.
Personality characteristics
Open-minded
Willing to explore diverse perspectives, continuously learn about theological concepts, and engage with varied human experiences.
Conscientious
Organized and diligent in sermon preparation, administrative duties, and consistently fulfilling pastoral responsibilities.
Outgoing
Energized by interacting with congregants, leading public services, and actively engaging with the wider community.
Compassionate
Deeply empathetic and genuinely concerned for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of others.
Emotionally stable
Able to remain calm and provide steady leadership and comfort during times of crisis, conflict, or grief within the community.
Best for
- Individuals called to spiritual leadership and dedicated to serving a faith community with empathy and wisdom.
- Those who thrive in roles requiring strong interpersonal skills, public speaking, and empathetic guidance in diverse situations.
Watch out for
- Can involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, and responding to crises outside of typical work times.
- Requires navigating complex personal and community dynamics, which can be emotionally demanding and require strong boundaries.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Clergy — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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