Ministers who serve small congregations usually work personally with parishioners. Those who serve large congregations may share specific aspects of the ministry with one or more associates or assistants, such as a minister of education or a minister of music. According to the National Council of Churches, there were over 400,000 Protestant ministers in 1998, including those who served without a regular congregation or those who worked in closely related fields, such as chaplains in hospitals, the Armed Forces, universities, and correctional institutions. Although most ministers are located in urban areas, many serve two or more smaller congregations in less densely populated areas. Some small churches increasingly employ part-time ministers who are seminary students, retired ministers, or holders of secular jobs.
Unpaid pastors serve other churches with meager funds.
In addition, some churches employ specially trained members of the laity to conduct nonliturgical functions. Top Educational requirements for entry into the Protestant ministry vary greatly. Many denominations require, or at least strongly prefer, a bachelor's degree followed by study at a theological seminary. However, some denominations have no formal educational requirements, and others ordain persons having various types of training from Bible colleges or liberal arts colleges. Many denominations now allow women to be ordained, but others do not.