Ministers of Religion

Ministers of Religion perform spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faiths, and provide motivation, guidance and training in religious life for the people of congregations and parishes, and the wider community.

What the job involves

  • Preparing and conducting services of public worship and acknowledgments of faith
  • Preparing and delivering sermons, homilies and special talks, and planning music for services
  • Participating in the social and welfare activities of communities, encouraging people to be aware of their responsibilities, and organising participation in community projects
  • Conducting classes of religious instruction, and supervising prayer and discussion groups, retreats and seminars
  • Conducting premarital and family counselling and referring people to professional service agencies where necessary
  • Performing marriages, funerals and special memorial services according to tradition and ecclesiastical and civil law
  • Visiting members of the community in their homes, hospitals and other institutions to provide advice and religious comfort
  • Keeping records as required by the church and civil law

Key values of workers in Ministers of Religion

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Ministers of Religion

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Instructing

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Service Orientation

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.