How Does an Ordained Minister Spend a Workday?

Prayer and Devotions

An ordained minister will spend a portion of the day in prayer, often for members of the congregation as well as for other needs. Personal devotions and daily Bible reading and study also constitute part of an ordained minister's day, and perhaps a time of quiet meditation and worship.

Research, Writing and Sermon Preparation

The research portion of an ordained minister's day may include study of the holy texts in their original languages, doctrinal research or discussion with other members of the clergy. An ordained minister will spend time in preparation for speeches, sermons and special events, and may also spend time on other writing projects.

Office and Counseling Hours

Many ordained ministers spend a portion of their days in counseling with members of the congregation and/or community. Some may maintain specific hours with an open-door policy. Others may set up specific appointment times. Some office hours will not be spent in specific or intense counseling, but simply in talking with those who stop by, listening to needs, answering and responding to phone calls and being an encouraging voice.

Church Administration

The needs of the church administration vary with every church and every ordained minister. Not every minister is in charge of a church's administration, but many are involved at least in overseeing the day-to-day aspects of running a church or congregation. Administration requirements may involve meeting with a board of church leaders, working with other members of a church's administration, planning and scheduling church activities and staying in contact with other local congregations.

Visiting Congregants

Many ordained ministers will spend daily time visiting the sick and elderly in their congregation and community. They may stop in to meet and chat with visitors to the congregation, to offer help to those dealing with a family crisis or to be present during times of stress, grief or hardship. A big part of an ordained minister's day is simply in being with people, whether it's in a formal setting or an informal one.