Christian Jobs & Careers
Jobs and careers in Christian ministry require a great commitment of time and spirit. If you feel called to work for a Christian organization or church, consider your strengths, talents and personal attributes before deciding which ministry career path to pursue. Each area of ministry requires different educational qualifications and talents. Whether you want to preach, lead worship, or play a more behind-the-scenes role, you can find a Christian job that's right for you.
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Ordained Ministry
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If you feel called to full-time ministry, pray about pursuing formal ordination. Ordained ministers usually pastor churches, but many also serve as chaplains, missionaries or in other forms of vocational ministry. To become ordained in most protestant denominations, you must hold a master's of divinity degree from a seminary or divinity school. A denominational committee then reviews you to determine whether you will become ordained. Some independent churches will ordain ministers without seminary degrees, though your ordination by this church body may not be recognized by other churches or organizations.
Youth Ministry
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If you have a way with kids and teenagers, find work in youth ministry. Some churches have a children's ministry coordinator or director as well as a youth or children's pastor. The coordinator's day-to-day duties are often more administrative and involve organizing weekly church meetings as well as special activities such as Vacation Bible School. Youth Pastors tend to work more directly with kids and teenagers, preaching at children's church services, praying with kids and counseling teens on a one-on-one basis. While most youth pastors and ministry coordinators are not ordained, many hold undergraduate degrees in theology or children's ministry.
Music Ministry
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If you have a gift for music and a heart for worship, pursue a career in music ministry. The responsibilities of a church music director include choosing music for worship services, directing musicians, and leading worship during services. Music and worship directors are responsible for overseeing the music ministries within the church, including children's music and, often, church choirs. Most music ministers hold degrees in music, music education or music ministry, though extensive musical training, knowledge and experience may suffice for securing a job as a church music director. Other jobs in music ministry include children's music coordinator and choral director.
Counseling
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If you feel called to help others through life's most difficult problems using Biblical principles, seek a career in Christian counseling. Christian counselors help people overcome sins, family problems, and mental health concerns to become healthier and happier with an emphasis on Christian standards of living. To become employed as a counselor by a ministry organization, church or Christian counseling agency, you must obtain a master's degree in a related field and complete experience requirements. Apply to become a licensed professional counselor in your state to improve your chances of securing a Christian counseling job.
Administrative
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Working as a church's administrative assistant for a church or pastor requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills. As the church secretary, you should live an upstanding lifestyle and feel called to Christian service. You will handle church financial records, counseling paperwork and other confidential information in addition to overseeing many of the day-to-day operations of the church. Often, you will also be the liaison between the church and potential new members, handling many of their questions and concerns when the senior pastor is unavailable. Church administrative assistants do not need specialized degrees, though a college education and previous administrative experience are beneficial.
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