Religious leader
Religious or faith leaders offer spiritual and moral guidance, and conduct public worship and other religious ceremonies.
Also known as: Faith leader, cleric
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As a religious leader, your day-to-day duties will depend on your faith. You may:
- pray and study your religion
- 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 and work with representatives of other faiths and communities
- fundraise and do admin tasks
Working environment
You could work in an office, from home, in a prison, in a place of worship or in an NHS or private hospital.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of philosophy and religion
- sensitivity and understanding
- leadership skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to understand people's reactions
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a religious leader
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
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do Church Minister Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you want to train to be a religious leader within the Christian tradition.
This typically takes around 3 years and you will complete a degree in theology and ministry as part of the apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Direct application
The process of becoming a religious 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.
Career path and progression
Every religion or faith is structured differently and 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 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
Career tips
Becoming a religious leader is a serious commitment that can be seen as a calling as much as a career.
As well as a strong belief in your faith and its traditions, you should accept that the work will affect all aspects of your life.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleCounsellor
- Job roleSecondary school teacher
- Job roleSocial worker
- Job roleFamily mediator
- Job roleCommunity development worker
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0