Clergy

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Community & Social Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 21-2011
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Pray and promote spirituality.
• Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
• Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
• Organize and lead regular religious services.
• Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
• Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
• Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
• Administer religious rites or ordinances.
• Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies.
• Visit people in homes, hospitals, or prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
• Train leaders of church, community, or youth groups.
• Plan or lead religious education programs.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Cordless microphones, Desktop computers, Email software, Event scheduling software, GroupMe, Laptop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Directors, Religious Activities and Education
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
• Community Health Workers
• Marriage and Family Therapists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Clergy — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.