Assignment Title: 11 types of careers in ministry
Course: CHMN 699 - Internship
Student: Kristine Sage
2022
Professor: Dr. Mary Smith
Liberty University
Introduction
People interested in working in ministry often have many career options. They can work in a
church, parochial school or another religious facility to teach children, adults and families about religious
texts and principles. Exploring these job options can help you decide which career path suits your
interests and professional goals. In this article, we list 11 types of careers in ministry, plus the national
average salaries and primary duties for each job.
11 types of careers in ministry
Here are 11 types of careers in ministry for you to consider if you want to pursue a faith-based job:
1. Teacher
National average salary: $23,604 per year
Primary duties: A teacher is an educational professional who instructs students and prepares them
for higher education and their careers. Depending on the grade levels they teach, teachers may educate
students in one subject or multiple subjects, such as math, science, language arts, social studies or
religion. They use curriculum frameworks to develop lesson plans based on the needs and education
levels of their students, as well as assign work, administer exams and answer their students' questions.
Teachers may also provide students with emotional support as needed.
2. Counselor
National average salary: $29,775 per year
Primary duties: A counselor is a mental health professional who helps clients identify and resolve
personal issues. Counselors help clients identify the origin of the problem they're experiencing and
develop strategies to minimize or overcome these challenges. Counselors often assist their clients with
emotional, spiritual and behavioral issues by providing them with advice, information and resources that
allow them to make positive changes in their lives. In some cases, counselors may refer their clients to
other mental health professionals or health care practitioners.
3. Camp counselor
National average salary: $30,812 per year
Primary duties: A camp counselor supervises children and young adults during summer camp
activities and on organized camping trips. Many churches offer camp programs for kids in elementary
through high school, and they focus on integrating religious concepts and education into fun activities
such as games, sports and meal preparation. Camp counselors also arrange activity schedules, lead
groups of campers and respond to any of the campers' concerns.
4. Life coach
National average salary: $32,888 per year
Primary duties: A life coach is a person who helps other people with personal development. They
typically begin this process by encouraging their client to think introspectively about their strengths and
areas of improvement. Life coaches also help clients set goals, monitor their progress and take steps
toward a fulfilling life through in-person appointments, virtual meetings or phone calls. Some life
coaches work in religious organizations, where they help people improve their spiritual lives.
5. Youth counselor
National average salary: $33,283 per year
Primary duties: A youth counselor is a mental health professional who helps children and
adolescents with emotional and behavioral concerns. They work with their clients to identify issues and
develop personalized plans for overcoming challenges. Youth counselors may specialize in helping
children who have specific needs, such as behavioral disorders or mental illness. Those who work for
faith-based organizations often incorporate prayer and other religious activities into their clients' care
plans.
6. Pastor
National average salary: $42,586 per year
Primary duties: A pastor is an ordained leader within the church denomination they serve. Churches
often appoint pastors to lead the congregation in worship and spiritual growth. Pastors use religious
materials to instruct their church members and visitors, answer their questions and help them through
challenging times. They may also hold religious ceremonies, such as weddings and baptisms. Pastors also
work in an administrative capacity by managing church finances and budgeting for expenses.
7. Social media manager
National average salary: $46,239 per year
Primary duties: A social media manager is a marketing professional who uses social media platforms
to engage current and potential patrons of an organization. They create and share posts such as
messages, photos, videos and links to encourage their followers to respond to and share them. Many
churches hire social media managers to minister to online communities by sharing prayers,
livestreaming services and providing updates about the church and its offerings.
8. Chaplain
National average salary: $49,959 per year
Primary duties: A chaplain is an ordained minister who provides religious instruction and services
outside of a church setting. Instead of holding a position within a specific church, they work as
nondenominational religious leaders in working environments. Chaplains can preach, officiate weddings
and perform other religious duties. They often work in the military, nursing homes, correctional facilities
and hospitals, where they provide people with spiritual guidance to help them overcome challenges.
9. Missionary
National average salary: $72,303 per year
Primary duties: A missionary is a person who goes on religious trips to various areas of the world to
teach others about their religion. Missionaries work in many denominations, and they often travel to
developing nations with supplies such as food, water and clothing. They may also help residents with
their duties, such as educating children, building homes and caring for livestock. Missionaries promote
religious teachings by getting to know the people they help and applying these teachings to their daily
lives.
10. Curriculum leader
National average salary: $75,284 per year
Primary duties: A curriculum leader is an educational professional who plans, develops and
implements curricula for a school or organization. They may use existing curricula as templates and
update them according to trends and teacher preferences. They might also create new curricula by
working with educational facilities to determine their needs. Some curriculum leaders work in the
homeschooling industry, where they help families by developing religious curricula for families who
educate their children at home.
11. Director
National average salary: $82,172 per year
Primary duties: A director is the leader of a business or organization, such as a large corporation or
a charity. They oversee other employees and manage the operations of the organization by creating
budgets, hiring staff, meeting with stakeholders and developing the company's programs. Directors may
lead churches or religious organizations, where they determine ways to engage with their congregation
and gain new members.
