Religious leader

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

• 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

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

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