Protestant Ministers

Nature of the Work
Employment
Training and Other Qualifications
Job Outlook
Earnings
Sources of Additional Information

(D.O.T. 120.107-010)

Significant Points

* Entry requirements vary greatly; many denominations require a bachelor's degree followed by study at a theological school, while other denominations have no formal educational requirements.

* Competition for positions is expected because of the large number of qualified candidates; the degree of competition will vary among denominations and geographic regions.

• Nature of the Work

  Protestant ministers lead their congregations in worship services and administer the various rites of the church, such as baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion. The services ministers conduct differ among the numerous Protestant denominations, and even 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. Most services include Bible reading, hymn singing, prayers, and a sermon. In some denominations, Bible reading by a member of the congregation and individual testimonials may constitute a large part of the service. In addition to these duties, ministers officiate at weddings, funerals, and other occasions.
  
  Each Protestant denomination has its own hierarchical structure. Some ministers are responsible only to the congregation they serve, while others are assigned duties by elder ministers, or by the bishops of the diocese they serve. In some denominations, ministers are reassigned to a new pastorate by a central governing body or diocese every few years.
  
  Ministers serving small congregations generally work personally with parishioners. Those serving large congregations may share specific aspects of the ministry with one or more associates or assistants, such as a minister of education who assists in educational programs for different age groups, or a minister of music.

• Employment

  According to the National Council of Churches, there were over 300,000 Protestant ministers in 1996, including those who served without a regular congregation or worked in closely related fields, such as chaplains in hospitals, the Armed Forces, universities, and correctional institutions. While there are many denominations, most ministers are employed by the five largest Protestant bodies—Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian.
  
  Although most ministers are located in urban areas, many serve two or more small congregations in less densely populated areas. Some small churches increasingly are employing part-time ministers who may be seminary students, retired ministers, or holders of secular jobs. Unpaid pastors serve other churches with meager funds. Some churches employ specially trained members of the laity to conduct nonliturgical functions.

• Training and Other Qualifications

  Educational requirements for entry into the Protestant ministry vary greatly. Many denominations require, or at least strongly prefer, a bachelor's degree followed by study at a theological school. However, some denominations have no formal educational requirements, and others ordain persons having various types of training in Bible colleges or institutes, or liberal arts colleges. Many denominations now allow women to be ordained, but others do not. Persons considering a career in the ministry should first verify the entrance requirements with their particular denomination.

  In general, each large denomination has its own schools of theology that reflect its particular doctrine, interests, and needs. However, many of these schools are open to students from other denominations. Several interdenominational schools associated with universities give both undergraduate and graduate training covering a wide range of theological points of view.
  
  In 1996, about 150 American Protestant theological schools were accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. These only admit students who have received a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in liberal arts from an accredited college. After college graduation, many denominations require a 3-year course of professional study in one of these accredited schools, or seminaries for the degree of Master of Divinity.
  
  The standard curriculum for accredited theological schools consists of four major categories: Biblical, historical, theological, and practical. Courses of a practical nature include pastoral care, preaching, religious education, and administration. Many accredited schools require that students work under the supervision of a faculty member or experienced minister. Some institutions offer Doctor of Ministry degrees to students who have completed additional study, usually 2 or more years, and served at least 2 years as a minister. Scholarships and loans are often available for students of theological institutions.
  
  Persons who have denominational qualifications for the ministry usually are ordained after graduation from a seminary or after serving a probationary pastoral period. Denominations that do not require seminary training ordain clergy at various appointed times. Some evangelical churches may ordain ministers with only a high school education.
  
  Men and women entering the clergy often begin their careers as pastors of small congregations or as assistant pastors in large churches. Pastor positions in large metropolitan areas or in large congregations often require many years of experience.

• Job Outlook

  Competition is expected to continue for paid Protestant ministers through the year 2006, reflecting slow growth of church membership and the large number of qualified candidates. Graduates of theological schools should have the best prospects. The degree of competition for paid positions will vary among denominations and geographic regions. For example, relatively favorable prospects are expected for ministers in evangelical churches. Competition will still be keen for more responsible positions serving large, urban congregations. Ministers willing to work part time or for smaller, rural congregations should have better opportunities. Most job openings will stem from the need to replace ministers who retire, die, or leave the ministry.
  
  Employment alternatives for newly ordained Protestant ministers who are unable to find positions in parishes include working in youth counseling, family relations, and welfare organizations; teaching in religious educational institutions; and serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces, hospitals, universities, and correctional institutions.

• Earnings

  Salaries of Protestant clergy vary substantially, depending on experience, denomination, size and wealth of congregation, and geographic location. Based on limited information, the estimated average annual income of Protestant ministers was about $30,000 in 1996. In large, wealthier denominations, ministers often earned significantly higher salaries. Ministers with modest salaries typically earn additional income from employment in secular occupations.

• Sources of Additional Information

  Persons who are interested in entering the Protestant ministry should seek the counsel of a minister or church guidance worker. Theological schools can supply information on admission requirements. Prospective ministers should also contact the ordination supervision body of their particular denomination for information on special requirements for ordination.

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