Minister of Religion

Ministers of religion, or clergymen, attend to the spiritual and moral needs of a church congregation.

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Clergymen deliver sermons; lead services of worship; administer sacraments; conduct weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies; provide instruction to individuals interested in joining the church; counsel those seeking guidance; visit the sick, elderly, handicapped and bereaved.


Ministers of religion may be engaged in community, civic, educational and recreational activities sponsored by or related to the church. They also have administrative duties such as writing testimonials for members of their congregation. Some are ex-officio members of clerical bodies which manage the joint activities of the church.

They work in a variety of settings: in their churches and living quarters, in the homes of congregation members, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, community meeting rooms, schools and religious institutions.

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Personal Requirements

• strong religious faith
• belief that you are called by God
• desire to serve others
• get along well with all kinds of people
• a role model in ethical and moral conduct
• initiative and self-discipline
• able to speak and write well
• organised and good leadership
• think and act clearly in emergencies
• problem-solving and motivational skills
• emotional stability and maturity

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

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What to Study

Degree: Theological studies are offered at UNISA, UFS, UJ, US, UWC, NWU, UP, UKZN, UFH, UZ.

Note: There is a vast number of church groups and denominations and each one has its own requirements for the training of their clergymen.

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Employment

• individual congregations
• chaplains for hospitals, prisons, police and the armed forces
• religious institutions
• universities

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Further Information

The head office of any religious order you choose.

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Getting Started

• become involved in church service groups and volunteer to visit the ill, the elderly and the handicapped
• do volunteer work in hospitals, nursing homes and at other medical institutions
• speak to a religious leader and work with that person to get to know what the work entails

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Related Occupations

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