Directors, Religious Activities and Education

People in this career focus on organizing, planning, and prioritizing programs that support religious education and community outreach. Their daily activities center on assisting and caring for others, establishing strong interpersonal relationships, and building collaborative teams. They must communicate effectively with supervisors and peers, make decisions, solve problems, and think creatively to keep programs engaging.

This role requires a strong social interest, as directors frequently interact with community members. They use skills like active listening, social perceptiveness, speaking, and instructing to guide others. They also need a deep understanding of philosophy and theology, education and training, psychology, and counseling. To succeed, directors rely on work styles such as integrity, empathy, sincerity, and cooperation, helping them offer guidance on personal, marital, health, and financial issues.

Entering this field typically requires considerable preparation, including a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in a related role. Students often prepare by majoring in fields such as religious education, pastoral counseling and specialized ministries, Bible or biblical studies, missions, religious music and worship, cognitive science, ethics, or health professions education.

While specific credentials are not always mandatory, professionals can pursue certifications to enhance their skills. Examples of relevant credentials include the Certified Sexuality Educator certification from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, or the Clinical Pastoral Education certification from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.

In 2025, the median annual pay for these directors was $52,100. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and the employing organization; the lowest 10 percent of workers earn less than $34,670, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $98,310.

There are 22,160 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 3.3 percent, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Despite this modest growth rate, the field is expected to see about 13,000 job openings each year.