PROTESTANT MINISTERS

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.  They prepare and deliver sermons and give religious instruction.  They also perform marriages; conduct funerals; counsel individuals who seek guidance; visit the sick, aged, and handicapped at home and in the hospital; comfort the bereaved; and serve church members in other ways.  Many Protestant ministers write articles for publication, give speeches, and engage in interfaith, community, civic, educational, and recreational activities sponsored by or related to the interests of the church. Some ministers teach in seminaries, colleges and universities, and church-affiliated preparatory or high schools.

Training and Other Qualifications

Educational requirements for entry into the Protestant ministry vary greatly.  Many denominations require or at least strongly prefer a college 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, Bible 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 verify the entrance requirements with their particular denomination before deciding on a career as a minister.

Job Outlook

Competition is expected to continue for paid Protestant ministers through the year 2005 due to slow growth of church membership and the large number of qualified candidates.  Opportunities are expected to be best for graduates of theological schools.  The amount of competition for paid positions will vary among denominations and geographic regions.  Competition will still be strong for more responsible positions serving large, urban congregations. Most of the openings for ministers through the year 2005 will arise from the need to replace retirees and, to a lesser extent, those who die or leave the ministry.

Earnings

Salaries of Protestant clergy vary substantially, depending on age, experience, denomination, size and wealth of congregation, and geographic location.  Based on limited information, the estimated average annual income of Protestant ministers was about $27,000 in 1992.  Including benefits such as housing, insurance, and transportation, average compensation was an estimated $44,000. 

Additional information can be obtained in the following manner:

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 also should contact the ordination supervision body of their particular denomination for information on special requirements for ordination.


