Religious leader

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You may need a degree or postgraduate award for some leadership positions. Most subjects are accepted though theology and philosophy may be particularly useful.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a church minister degree apprenticeship, if you want to train to be a religious leader within the Christian tradition.

This typically takes 36 months to complete and you will complete a degree in theology and ministry as part of the apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

The process of becoming a leader can take several years, and is often based on your knowledge, experience and position within the religion.

Each religion has a different way of training its leaders, so the training and the length of time it takes will vary. For many religions the process might include:

• study at a college or religious training centre
• intensive study of your faith's teachings and writings
• time alone in contemplation or meditation
• experience of working with people in the community
• mentoring and supervision from an experienced leader of your religion

In some religions, there are rules on who can become a leader and what duties they can carry out.

If you want to train to become a leader in your faith, the first thing you should do is ask your own religious leader for advice and guidance.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of philosophy and religion
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to read English
• business management skills
• knowledge of psychology
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• a good memory
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Religious or faith leaders offer spiritual and moral guidance, and lead public worship and other religious ceremonies.

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your faith. You may:

• pray and study your religion
• encourage commitment to the faith
• lead regular religious services or ceremonies
• conduct services and ceremonies for religious festivals, holy days and events such as births, marriages and deaths
• explain the meaning of your faith's teachings
• educate people who are converting to your faith
• support people at difficult times in their lives
• represent your faith within the community
• be a role model for your followers
• meet representatives of other faiths and communities
• fundraise and do admin tasks

Location : You could work in an office, from home, in a prison, in a place of worship or in an NHS or private hospital.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends managing your own hours

Career Path:

Every religion or faith is structured differently, and career progression will vary from faith to faith.

You may be recommended for higher positions by senior members of your faith, or you may have to apply for vacant posts.

You may also have opportunities to become involved in teaching, counselling, interfaith relations, writing, or humanitarian and charity work.

There are also opportunities to work as a chaplain in the armed forces. You can find out more from:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy