Occupation

Clergy

Human Advantage 86%

Strongly human-essential role

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.2 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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.

Also Known As: Administrator Pastor, Bishop, Brother, Campus Minister, Campus Pastor, Cantor, Catechist, Catholic Priest +46 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Pray and promote spirituality.
  2. Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
  3. Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
  4. Organize and lead regular religious services.
  5. Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
  6. Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
  7. Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
  8. Administer religious rites or ordinances.
  9. Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies.
  10. Visit people in homes, hospitals, or prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
  11. Train leaders of church, community, or youth groups.
  12. Plan or lead religious education programs.
  13. Study and interpret religious laws, doctrines, or traditions.
  14. Respond to requests for assistance during emergencies or crises.
  15. Conduct special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, or confirmations.
  16. Devise ways in which congregational membership can be expanded.
  17. Collaborate with committees or individuals to address financial or administrative issues pertaining to congregations.
  18. Refer people to community support services, psychologists, or doctors.
  19. Organize or engage in interfaith, community, civic, educational, or recreational activities sponsored by or related to religious programs.
  20. Perform administrative duties, such as overseeing building management, ordering supplies, contracting for services or repairs, or supervising the work of staff members or volunteers.
  21. Participate in fundraising activities to support congregational activities or facilities.

Education & Training

Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Master's Degree
48%
Bachelor's Degree
18%
Some College Courses
15%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
12%
Doctoral Degree
5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (12)

  • Email software
  • Event scheduling software
  • GroupMe
  • Membership databases
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Cordless microphones
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Multiline telephone systems
  • Multimedia presentation projectors
  • Passenger vehicles
  • Tablet computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Community & Social Services Education

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