Career Research Paper After A Little Work, Needs More...

(Intro Par.)

What do you think the answer is when someone asks you what a pastor; minister; or cleryman is? I already know pretty well, but I believe I am going to be a pastor so I want want more information about the training, duties, salary, and the job outlook for this job.


(Training Par.)

The training has a lot to do with which religion you are with. Calvary Chapel’s way, which is a non-denominational church, is that a person has to be called by God. According to Pastor Joe Coleman, “God raises up men from within His church who have proven themselves to be; ‘of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, (Born again, John 3:3) wisdom (in God's word, the Bible) who are appointed over the church business. Men that even though some may be perceived as “untrained and unlearned”, have been with Jesus’ (Acts 4:13).” Also, Pastor Jim Doub, another Calvary Chapel pastor shows similarly that, “Since being a ‘pastor’ is a calling from God and not man, education, in the formal sense, is not a pre-requisite, however nearly all pastors I know have at least a B.A. and many have been through seminary. To be a pastor with Calvary Chapel requires an obvious calling of God and a recognition by the ‘church’ of the call. I have a B.A. in Bible from Simpson Bible college but 90% of my training has been hearing the Word through teaching and preaching in churches and personal study. There are denominations that require seminary and even a doctorate. That is not God's requirement. His requirement is that we have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).” Others, such as clergymen, do need to get training in certain areas. Career Planner shows that a clergymen needs, “Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture. Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. And Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.”


(Duties Par.)

When it comes to the working conditions or “duties” is similar when it comes to clergymen or Calvary Chapel pastors. Joe Coleman explains that, “The working conditions and duties of a pastor are actually two different subjects; Working conditions have no boundaries. 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, wherever Jesus leads us. Whenever there are needs in the flock of God. The duties of the pastor are to ‘feed His sheep’ (John 21:15) to love, tend, nurture His sheep, and equip them for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12). Ministry is not a job, it is a calling. (1 Tim 2:7)” Pastor Jim Doub shows from an assistant pastor’s position that, “As an assistant pastor I am to "assist" the pastor in any way he needs. This includes teaching or preaching when he needs or is away; teaching in other venues i.e., nursing homes and missions. I visit those who are ill or in need in their homes or hospitals, visit and or call the elderly and widows, help the elderly with financial and physical needs. I spend as much time as possible studying the Bible for my own personal growth and to be able to teach others; to make sure the church building is ready for services on Sunday and Wednesday. I attend Elders meetings and do the work of a financial officer of the church. Counseling is another part of the ministry of any pastor. It is my job to take care of making sure the church has adequate insurance. In other words anything the Senior Pastor or the secretary don't do, I do. It is a joy to serve!” Michigan Department of Career Development explains that, “Working conditions for members of the clergy depend on the type of work they do. Most Clergy work under little supervision and plan their schedules according to the needs of their congregations. Some serve large congregations that may be more structured. Clergy members serving large congregations may work as, or with assistants. Clergy who teach generally work under a limited amount of supervision. Those private organizations may be supervised by others or may supervise others.


(Salary Par.)

After searching for this job, it is clear that it is hard to say what the starting and maximum salaries are for pastors, ministers, and clergymen. Joe Coleman shows that, “When God calls a pastor, He equips him, guides him and provides for him in many ways. In some instances, there is a ‘starting salary,’ but not
always. There are times when a pastor has to roll up his sleeves and work, just as the apostle Paul did as a tent maker. Other times God gives the minister his daily bread, and the pastor must rely on God for his daily provision. ‘Where God guides, God provides.’ Even as David wrote in Psalm 37 the Lord never forsakes His people. Ministry is not a place to get rich, but a place to enrich the lives of others. I do believe there is a ‘maximum salary.’ And that it is important not [to] live above the income level of the people or culture in which you live, as to be a stumbling block to them. Everything Jesus had here on earth was borrowed. From the fishes and loaves He received from a little lad, to the tunic which He wore. From the pillow upon which He laid His head, to the tomb in which He was buried. This earth was not His home, nor is it ours who belong to Him. (John 14:2,3).” Michigan Department of Career Development explains that, “Earnings for Clergy Members depend on the particular denomination, the size and financial status of the individual congregation, or the type of organization for which they work. The age, experience, learning, and reputation of the individual also affects income.”


(future availability of Job Par.)

It is interesting to see that it depends on whether it’s a Calvary Chapel Church or clergymen. The Calvary Chapel pastor, Jim Doub explains that, “Until the Lord takes us "home" we are here to serve! There will always be a place to serve Him! This is not like working for the telephone company, which I did for 30 years, it is up to God when a person should step down from the full time ministry but serving nevers ends.” Where as Michigan Department of Career Development says that, “There will be keen competition for Clergy positions in most established Protestant congregations. Favorable employment opportunities are expected for Rabbis, especially for those who seek work in congregations particularly in small communities and with large groups of retirees. The Catholic Church, however, is actively recruiting candidates for the priesthood. This is due to declining enrollment in Roman Catholic seminaries along with an increase in the total Catholic population. Clergy members willing to work in rural areas should have relatively favorable employment opportunities. Employment of Clergy in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 130 annual openings is expected, with 60 due to growth and 70 due to replacement of clergy who retire, die or leave the active ministry for other reasons. Additional openings may occur as Clergy members change positions or occupations. However, the demand for Roman Catholic Priests is expected to remain high as shortages of clergy in this religion continue.”


(ClosingPar. [Is This Job For Me])

Having received this additional info, I do believe that this job is for me. Not because of the salary, but because I believe this is a wonderful job that I feel like is for me.