Christian Leadership is something you’ve been considering, but you’re curious about where a degree in religion or biblical studies take you? The paths are surprisingly diverse.
Just because you are interested in Christian leadership doesn’t mean you necessarily have to pursue a career as part of the clergy. As with any type of business or company, there are several puzzle pieces that make a religious organization run smoothly as a whole. Religious organizations may need accountants, executives, educators, public relations and fundraising managers, and benefits managers, just to name a few. There are Christian careers paths that you may not even know exist in religious organizations and may inspire you to combine your spirituality and your professional passions.
Let’s take a look at some occupations within faith-based companies where you may be able to make use of your Christian leadership background and education.
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
This chief responsibility of this group of professionals is focused on imparting knowledge to others within the walls of educational institutions. In education, this could mean teachers at the elementary level all the way up to the college level. Instructional coordinators have a heavy hand in planning curriculums and libraries are present in many schools, churches, and communities.
25,570 education, training, and library professionals employed in religious organizations in 2014. Career paths in this category include…
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
- Median annual salary in 2012: $53,090
- Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Librarians
- Median annual salary in 2012: $55,370
- Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Instructional Coordinators
- Median annual salary in 2012: $60,050
- Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Community and Social Service Occupations
Community and social services professionals works within religious organizations to bring help and services to those in need and to the community at large. Whether it’s a school counselor giving advice to a student in a private Christian school or a counselor administering substance abuse treatment to someone with an addiction, community and social service professionals are a crucial part of keeping a community healthy, growing, and prosperous.
46,380 community and social service professionals employed in religious organizations in 2014.
Career paths in this category include…
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Median annual salary in 2012: $38,520
- Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
School and Career Counselors
- Median annual salary in 2012: $53,610
- Entry-level education: Master’s degree
Health Educators and Community Health Workers
- Median annual salary in 2012: $41,830
- Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
This is a broad category of careers in Christian companies and organizations. These Christian careers involve the promotion and production of art and events. From a publicist promoting a Christian community event to putting on an Easter play production, these professionals often have an artistic flair or are involved with people who create art. Think about who it is that advertises and writes about the events in your Christian community and you may find these professionals behind the scenes.
16,630 arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media professionals employed in religious organizations in 2014.
Management Occupations
As you may guess with management careers, these professionals can manage everything from human resources to payroll to organizing for a charity event. In a religious organization, a fundraising manager might enlist volunteers and set financial goals for the fundraising committee to work towards. In fact, in both secular and religious organizations, these professionals often have employees reporting to them and are responsible for meeting project or growth goals. Management professions may be a great fit for someone who feels they have leadership abilities and are also goal-oriented.
8,130 management professionals employed in religious organizations in 2014. [i]
Career paths in this category include…
Fundraising Managers
- Median annual salary in 2012: $95,450
- Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Marketing Managers
- Median annual salary in 2012: $115,750
- Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Median annual salary in 2012: $95,250
- Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Have these diverse occupations sparked your inspiration? It might be a great time for you to find a Christian career path that suits your interests and your goals. Browse different degrees at Christian schools to get started on your future today