Religious beliefs—such as Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, or Moslem—are significant influences in the lives of millions of Americans, and prompt many to participate in organizations that reinforce their faith. Even within a religion many denominations may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities assigned to its clergy. For example, Christianity has more than 70 denominations, while Judaism has 4 major branches, as well as groups within each branch, with diverse customs.
Clergy are religious and spiritual leaders, and teachers and interpreters of their traditions and faith. Most members of the clergy serve in a pulpit. They organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies, including confirmations, weddings, and funerals. They may lead worshipers in prayer, administer the sacraments, deliver sermons, and read from sacred texts such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran. When not conducting worship services, clergy organize, supervise, and lead religious education programs for their congregations. Clergy visit the sick or bereaved to provide comfort and counsel persons who are seeking religious or moral guidance or who are troubled by family or personal problems. They also may work to expand the membership of their congregations and solicit donations to support their activities and facilities.
Clergy who serve large congregations often share their duties with associates or more junior clergy. Senior clergy may spend considerable time on administrative duties. They oversee the management of buildings, order supplies, contract for services and repairs, and supervise the work of staff and volunteers. Associate or assistant members of the clergy sometimes specialize in an area of religious service, such as music, education, or youth counseling. Clergy also work with committees and officials, elected by the congregation, who guide the management of the congregationŐs finances and real estate.
Other members of the clergy serve their religious communities in ways that do not call for them to hold positions in congregations. Some serve as chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces and in hospitals, while others help to carry out the missions of religious community and social services agencies. A few members of the clergy serve in administrative or teaching posts in schools at all grade levels, including seminaries.
.Educational requirements for entry into the clergy vary greatly. Similar to other professional occupations, about 3 out of 4 members of the clergy have completed at least a bachelorŐs degree. Many denominations require that clergy complete a bachelorŐs degree and a graduate-level program of theological study; others will admit anyone who has been "calledÓ to the vocation. Some faiths do not allow women to become clergy; however, others, mainly in Protestant churches, do. Men and women considering careers in the clergy should consult their religious leaders to verify specific entrance requirements.
Individuals considering a career in the clergy should realize they are choosing not only a career but also a way of life. In fact, most members of the clergy remain in their chosen vocation throughout their lives; in 2002, almost 10 percent of clergy were 65 or older, compared with only 3 percent of workers in all occupations.
Religious leaders must exude confidence and motivation, while remaining tolerant and able to listen to the needs of others. They should be capable of making difficult decisions, working under pressure, and living up to the moral standards set by their faith and community.
The sections that follow provide more detailed information on the three largest groups of clergy: Protestant ministers, Rabbis, and Roman Catholic priests.
.For more information on careers in the ministry, contact the association affiliated with a particular denomination. The following website provides links to many of these denominations. Internet: http://www.hirr.hartsem.edu/org/faith_denominations_homepages.html
Even within a religion many denominations may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities assigned to its clergy. Clergy are religious and spiritual leaders, and teachers and interpreters of their traditions and faith. Most members of the clergy serve in a pulpit. They organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies, including confirmations, weddings, and funerals. They also may work to expand the membership of their congregations and solicit donations to support their activities and facilities.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/245.htm
Thus all persons are considered to have inherent and equal worth, independent of their gender. This led naturally to an opposition to sexism, and an acceptance of female ministers. In 1660, Margaret Fell (1614 - 1702) published a famous pamphlet to justify equal roles for men and women in the denomination. She quit the church and later became a Unitarian. The UUA became the first large denomination to have a majority of female ministers.
Summary of: http://www.religioustolerance.org/femclrg13.htm
Clergy give sermons as well as religious instruction. Some clergy tend to the personal and religious needs of people who are sick, disabled, or in prison. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100039
The research was conducted among a representative sample of 700 senior pastors of Protestant churches throughout the United States. Among the larger denominational groups in the study, Southern Baptist ministers are particularly likely to complain that the separation of church and state has gone too far (93%). They were asked whether a number of things should or should not be allowed in the United States. Ninety percent say religious groups should be allowed to use government property for meetings if non-religious groups are allowed to do so. Virtually all members of the NAE feel this way (95%), but the issue is more divisive within the NCC, where 65% believe this should be allowed, and 35% said it should not be.
Summary of: http://www.ellisonresearch.com/ERPS%20II/release%2010%20church%20state.htm
Opportunities are expected in all faiths, but in some denominations competition is likely for positions leading large urban worship groups. Even within a religion many denominations may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities assigned to its clergy. Most members of the clergy serve in a pulpit. They organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies, including confirmations, weddings, and funerals. Those who do not work in congregational settings may have more routine schedules.
Summary of: http://bls.gov/oco/ocos250.htm
Even within a religion many denominations may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities assigned to its clergy. Clergy are religious and spiritual leaders, and teachers and interpreters of their traditions and faith. They also may work to expand the membership of their congregations and solicit donations to support their activities and facilities. Some serve as chaplains in the Armed Forces and in hospitals, while others help to carry out the missions of religious community and social services agencies. Most social workers work in pleasant, clean offices that are well lit and well ventilated.
Summary of: http://guide.symplicity.com/resources/profession_article.php?id=89
Some ministers teach in seminaries, colleges and universities, and church-affiliated preparatory or high schools. The services that ministers conduct differ among Protestant denominations and also among congregations within a denomination. In many denominations, ministers follow a traditional order of worship; in others, they adapt the services to the needs of youth and other groups within the congregation. In some denominations, Bible reading by a member of the congregation and individual testimonials may constitute a large part of the service. Some small churches increasingly are employing part-time ministers who may be seminary students, retired ministers, or holders of secular jobs.
Summary of: http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/oohb0075.htm
Are you planning something at your church. The body of men set apart, by due ordination, to the service of God, in the Christian church, in distinction from the laity; in England, usually restricted to the ministers of the Established Church. Clergy are not just leaders from one denomination but are different leaders from all the different churches. Oh, Christians, remember, you bear His dear Name, Your lives are for others to view, You are living examples; men praise you or blame, And measure all Christians by you. It also means the building that Christians use for worship and other religious activities.
Summary of: http://www.annieshomepage.com/clergyday.html
Even within a single religion many sects may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities for its clergy. Clergy are religious and spiritual leaders, and teachers and interpreters of their traditions and faith. They organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies, including confirmations, weddings, and funerals. They also may work to expand the membership of their congregations and solicit donations to support its activities and facilities. Clergy serving large congregations often share their duties with associates or have more junior members of the clergy to assist them.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/124.htm
It will also describe the original tabulations made by Horace Mann. The main part of the paper will illustrate the three types of schedules issued to the churches. It was the first time in 200 years of census taking in England, Wales and Scotland that such a question had been asked, although it has been included in the Irish census since 1861. These come as bundles of foolscap sheets printed on both sides, one side for instructions the other the schedule itself. The schedules for the established church were on pale blue paper, printed in black ink, portrait style.
Summary of: http://www.fachrs.com/pages/members/papers/b_o_p.htm