Best Careers 2009: Clergy

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The work of ministry is priceless!
Would you lay down your life for your friend? Jesus did that for us. The least we can do is share the good news with those around us.
At what price? For what should it profit us if we should gain the whole world and die and lose our souls?
Ministry has to be done from the heart. Only those called into it can stick to it. No amount of pay, even if offered, is price enough for what God has already done for us through Jesus. As his disciples and called out servants, we are just carrying on the work of the cross. Yes, it is costly, but who can put a true price on the human life.
One morning in August of 1996, I woke up with the the intention of not going to church because I was utterly depressed after my husband walked out. (He didn't want to be married to a preacher anymore.) Against my own will, I went on to church that morning and participated in leading worship as usual. Immediately following the service a woman walked up to me and said, "I was going to kill myself this morning, but I knew I would see you today. That gave me a reason to live." Wow, what if I had not gone to church that weary Sunday morning? What if I had wallowed in self-pity and stayed home that particular morning? This woman's statement spoke volumes to the true meaning of ministry. As ministers, we don't know all the ways that we may impact people's lives.
Can you really put a price on serving God selflessly? I have served God in some form of ministry for the last 33 years. I am yet to be employed as a full-time pastor. I just do what I do!

Rev. Dr. Detra Bishop of MS 8:39PM December 23, 2009

One thing to keep in mind for those thinking of going into the ministry is the fact that at least half of the churches in the United States are bivocational. You may make the median $44,900, but that is counting the income from a full time job on the side. Your typical church is going to offer between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. If they are very generous, they will supply a parsonage allowing you to avoid costly rent or a house payment. Consider the cost on your time, spending up to 80 hours per week away from your family doing a full time job and the pastorate. Consider the cost of living, making a very low income even with a Masters of Divinity or higher degree. If you can handle these things, by all means pursue the ministry. It is not for the fainthearted.

Royce Hunt of KY 2:13PM December 18, 2009

I am very excited to discover this site. I am an ordained minister and have enjoyed over twenty years of "adventurous" ministry opportunities in three wonderful churches with stellar leaders. The complexion of ministry roles and calling have evolved greatly and look so different than they did a few decades ago. The opportunities really are diverse and the resources are tremendous. There is nothing more exciting than being called of God to vocational ministry today in the 21st century. I believe this is the best time of all to be a minister. There are more doors open than ever for both men and women. I appreciate the comments I have read and will continue to visit the site. Its wonderful to have a variety of denominational voices speaking to one another.

Ava of MO 3:49PM November 25, 2009

With regards to faith and career, you can follow a vocation that is out of the ministry and still be in alignment with your religious beliefs, and God's higher purpose for your life. If you have doubts about going in a particular direction, you should consider working with a professional. A career advisor or coach can provide you with a confidential process of exploration of your options, as well as career assessments to help you identify your interests, passions, purpose, values, etc. which inform career decisions.
I hope you take time to explore your career choices. I know that clarity will come if you give it time and energy.

Val Olson, MA, LP, PCC of PA 8:25PM October 25, 2009

Dear Ralph of KS: I grew up and went through Catholic School as well. Up through the 7th grade I wanted to be a nun. People laugh at me now when I say that, but I still often think about it not even for a career but to be closer to God and thank him for everything in my life, the good as well as the mistakes. I know that God will always accept me (or you) no matter what or when we talk to him, his love is unconditional and that is BIG. As a matter of fact I was just talking to a friend last night whose nephew is studying for the priesthood. he fell away but then went back, I told him I thought that was awesome. As I do have the highest regard for several of the priests I've come in contact with, they are so highly intelligent and 'Godly', you can just feel it. I always sit up front at mass and usually shed a tear or two when they are on the pulpit because they seem to be able to read my heart. So, thank you for serving our country and your connection with our Lord, both are very commendable, you should be proud of yourself ! Best of Luck with your choices.

Kathryn of CA 4:05PM September 24, 2009

I GREW UP IN THE CHURCH AND ALL MY LIFE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE A CALLING AND THAT IM MEANT FOR MUCH MORE IN LIFE... 4 YEARS AGO A MAN TOLD ME THAT IF I DO WHAT HE SAYS THAT GOD WILL BLESS ME WHICH WAS SAYING YES TO GOD FOR REAL... INSTEAD I JOINED THE MILITARY AND NOW THAT I HAVE FINISHED MY TOUR OF DUTY HIS WORDS COME TO MIND... PERSONALLY I HAVE NO DESIRE TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF MINISTRY, WHICH LEADES ME TO THINK THAT I SHOULDNT DO IT BUT THEN THERE IS ALSO THE FACT THAT MY AGENDA MEANS NOTHIN AND IF I SAY YES TO GOD NOW THINGS WILL GO BETTER FOR ME VICE PLAYING THE JONAH GAME. I JUST NEED SOME ADVICE NOW THAT IM LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER

RALPH of KS 4:24PM September 23, 2009

Two hours to write a sermon?..10-15 hours is a better estimate, two hours a day. A typical work week means 50 or more hours, yet a pastor has more discretionary use of time.
Ministry is a meaningful profession, and yes a calling, but being a lawyer, banker, or dancer is meant to be a calling as well.
Many smaller congregations do not have pastors in part because they can no longer afford full time clergy. Clergy who 'moonlight' or have other careers are in need to provide pastoral care to these small churches.
Visit a theological seminary website to learn what education requirements are normally expected.

A T B of NJ 9:30PM September 20, 2009

Lectures To My Students by Charles H. Spurgeon. This is an ancient classic, but like wisdom, it never dissipates through history. Being a christian clergy is not a job, but rather a vocation or a life of being and doing! That is why being able to affirm that you have been called by God and having engaged through the various validation processes over a significant period of time enforces your life commitment for service. Being a christain clergy is not defined as a typical job in the classical sense because its renumenrations are so contrary compared to other first professional vocations. Therefore, clergy must have an awareness and tenacity to know what they are doing and why they serving is to ultimately please God and being a blessing to people. It is hopeful that through education, awareness and appreciation that clergy and candidates are able to endure the wherewithals while journeying by grace through faith. Not withstanding the exceptions of any profession or vocation, there are those who serve as clergy in a broad sense. This has to do with the American Way as the culture norm, and how all business whether for profit or not must operate in a certain manner to exist and be successful. There are perhaps less than 1% of religious organizations or their clergy that can command similiar compensations of other first degree professionals (i.e. medical doctors or lawyers) who have the the same or greater experience or education. However, what should be a distinguishable characteristic among clergy from other first professional degree vocations is our dependency upon God through His Holy Spirit as we seek to prescribe the Word to others while making Life Applications. Also, I would recommend reading the autobiographies of professional clergy who have endured the journeys of ministry. When I surveyed the clergy I have met and have endured over the years, they all have intimated that "they would not give nothing for their journey!" Unfortunately, far too many clergy have died poor, leaving their widows in a less than desirable state. Most of the clergy I have met complained about how their needs were not taken care of by whom ever they were serving. Most clergy wished that they had someone who could help them to be compensated better. I say this to you who would consider becoming a clergy as a job or vocation. Charles Spurgeon would discourage you from such adventure if you can seek other employment. Perhaps, those who serve in various chaplain occupations could consider how they are compensated usually by a secular organization as an employee. However, to serve as a professional chaplain, requires you to be a professional clergy and that does require being uniquely called into that vocation. The process of being intergrated is more challenging than serving in local congregations. It requires you to understand and be involved in the distinctive culture you are called to serve. However, if you feel called, God needs you to respond by faith ASAP!

Lee Hagwood 6:51AM September 02, 2009

Although the term clergy describes a body of ordained persons in a religion, there are several factors to consider in your quest. Each religion has different beliefs, practices, and requirements fo those individuals seeking ordaination. Therefore, one should investigate the religious organization's origion, history beliefs, practices, requirements and opportunities for those seeking to serve as a clergy. It would be very advantageous to meet with as many clergy who serve in the same religious organization that you are considering to serve. They will address issues and give you insight that you will not be able to gleam from mere research and they will be able to indicate if you possess the wherewithal to pursue becoming a clergy in that religious organization. Now, specifically from a christian clergy prospective, serving requires an individual who has had a relationship with Jesus Christ to acknowledge that they have been called to serve in some ministerial compacity. Although the specific area in which an individual is to serve may or may not be certain initially, but must be understood during the period of preparation. The period of preparation is initated when the individual conveys to the Senior Pastor of the congregation that have been a committed disciple for no less than a year of their call to ministry. Upon examination and the validation of the conngregation their is an acknowledgement or recommendation that the individual possess or does not posses the nescessary gifts or potential to be given a license for preparation towards their ministerial practice. If an individual has been granted a license, then the Senior Pastor can mentor the individual through their academic and ministerial process. The academic process is a 4 year bachelors degree from one of the 6 regional accreditation agencies if you live in America. Then after graduation enroll in a M.Div. (Masters of Divinity) degree program which is a first professional degree of at least 90 semester hours at a school that has an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) which is the professional agengy in US & Canada. while the individual spends betwen 7 to 12 years completing their academic requirements, they should be dually practicing ministry in their local church under the supervision of their assigned mentor. Coordination should arrange for various clergy-in-training internships at hospitals, prisions, counseling centers, police and military organizations to provide a wealth of oreintation. After the ministerial candidate has successfully completed their academic and ministerial training, then they can be candidates for ordination by their religious organization. Many religious organizations take all potential ordination candidates through a battery of background checks to include: criminal, financial, and psychological testings and confirmations. The candidate must successfully pass a written and oral examination. Afterwards, findings are presented to the church for ordination.

Lee Hagwood D.Min. of VA 5:24AM September 02, 2009

Clergy are first and foremost representatives of God and God's church. They are not just people who want to love others, thats a good person but not a cleric.

corey J of GA 6:29PM August 25, 2009