May include leading worship services, delivering sermons, conducting marriages and funerals, and participating in community activities.
Some denominations have no formal educational requirements.
Others ordain persons having varying amounts and types of training in Bible colleges or institutes. Many require a 3-year course of professional study in a theological school or seminary following college graduation. Clergy accounted for approximately 7,616 workers in Alabama in 1996. Most work as Chaplains in hospitals or in individual congregations. An average of 788 jobs is available each year.