Minister

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Work Tasks

• Lead the worship services of their church
• Oversee special ceremonies at the church such as baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion
• Give advice to people and comfort people having a hard time
• May write articles, give speeches, and teach
• Work for churches or as chaplains in hospitals, the armed forces, universities, and prisons
• Work with the people of their church, Bibles, hymnals, sermons, religious books, religious items, committee reports, and notes of meetings

Salary, Size & Growth

• $50,000 average per year ($24.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (59,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Some denominations have no formal educational requirements. Others ordain persons having various types of training from Bible colleges, Bible institutes, or liberal arts colleges.
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree from a denomination's own school of theology
• Skills/Courses: College courses include theology, public speaking, church history, counseling, ethics, leadership, and liturgy.