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What does a Minister do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A Minister is a person who is responsible for leading a church congregation. They are also responsible for performing religious ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals.

Minister job duties include:

  • Preach sermons and give religious instruction
  • Plan, organize, and direct church activities
  • Develop policies and programs to meet the spiritual needs of the congregation
  • Counsel members of the congregation and provide spiritual guidance
  • Perform marriages, baptisms, and funerals
  • Recruit and train new church members
  • Visit sick or shut-in members of the congregation
  • Work with other clergy to plan joint programs and activities
  • Serve on boards and committees as a church representative
  • Keep records of church membership and finances

Minister Job Requirements

Most ministers have a college degree, although some have only a high school diploma. Many churches require their ministers to be ordained, which usually involves completing a four-year degree at an accredited seminary. Some denominations have their own ordination process. Ministers typically complete an internship or residency program lasting one to two years before they are hired.

Minister Skills

  • Public speaking
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Strategic planning
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Teamwork
  • Interpersonal skills

Related: Top Minister Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Minister

There is no one path to becoming a Minister. Some people are born into families with a long tradition of ministry, while others feel called to the ministry later in life. Some people attend seminary and become ordained, while others may choose to enter the ministry as a lay person.

No matter what your path to ministry looks like, there are some things that are essential for all Ministers. First and foremost, you must have a deep faith in God and a desire to serve God's people. You must also be able to communicate your faith clearly and effectively, whether you are preaching from a pulpit or teaching Sunday school.

Ministry is not an easy job, but it is a rewarding one. If you feel called to ministry, don't be afraid to take the first step on your journey.

Related: Minister Resume Example

Related: Minister Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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