Minister

A Minister provides spiritual guidance and support to members of a congregation or community. You might work in churches, temples, or other places of worship. Ministers focus on delivering sermons, conducting religious services, and offering counselling and pastoral care. You’ll lead ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms, and engage with the community to support their spiritual and emotional well-being.

Ministers play a vital role in fostering a supportive and nurturing community. You’ll need to be compassionate and communicative, with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. You’ll work closely with congregation members and community leaders to address their needs and provide spiritual guidance and support.

Future demand Low
Average yearly income $107,640
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a minister?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$16,320
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Religious Education Teacher Pastoral Care Worker Chaplain
Minister Pastor
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Religious Education Teacher Pastoral Care Worker Chaplain Minister Pastor + 2 more

Bachelor of Theology
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $55,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Minister
Religious Education Teacher Pastor Priest Youth Minister
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Minister Religious Education Teacher Pastor Priest Youth Minister + 4 more

Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies
Blended
12 months
$0 - $17,968
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Minister Pastor Chaplain
Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Community Development Worker
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Minister Pastor Chaplain Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Community Development Worker + 3 more

Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
Blended, Online
6 months
$8,400 - $12,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker
Community Worker Pastor Minister
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Community Worker Pastor Minister + 3 more

Master of Theological Studies
Blended, Online
24 months
$3,000 - $39,216
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Minister
Religious Education Teacher Academic Tutor
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Minister Religious Education Teacher Academic Tutor + 2 more

Master of Theology
Blended, Online
18 - 24 months
$32,680 - $36,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pastor Minister Chaplain
Academic Researcher
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pastor Minister Chaplain Academic Researcher + 1 more

Graduate Certificate in Theology
Online
5 months
$9,804
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Minister Pastor Chaplain
Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Pastoral Care Worker Community Development Worker
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Minister Pastor Chaplain Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Pastoral Care Worker Community Development Worker + 4 more

Graduate Diploma in Divinity
Online
12 months
$19,608
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pastor Minister Chaplain
Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Outreach Worker
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pastor Minister Chaplain Religious Education Teacher Youth Worker Outreach Worker + 3 more

Graduate Diploma in Theology
Online
12 months
$19,608
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Religious Education Teacher
Minister Youth Minister Religious Education Coordinator
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chaplain Pastoral Care Worker Religious Education Teacher Minister Youth Minister Religious Education Coordinator + 3 more

Bachelor of Ministry
Blended, Online
3 years
$50,616 - $55,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Priest Youth Minister Minister
Pastor Chaplain Religious Education Teacher
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Priest Youth Minister Minister Pastor Chaplain Religious Education Teacher + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Pastor

A Pastor delivers sermons, conducts ceremonies, provides religious counselling, and leads discussions, supporting individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

Chaplain

A Chaplain provides religious counselling and support, guiding individuals through challenges with empathy and strong communication skills.

Avg yearly income $69,940
Skill level Advanced

Assistant Chaplain

An Assistant Chaplain offers counselling and guidance, arranging appointments and supporting clients while collaborating with religious professionals.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

Philosophy Teacher

A Philosophy Teacher instructs on philosophical theories, ethical dilemmas, and critical thinking, fostering independent thought through discussions and assessments.

Avg yearly income $118,040
Skill level Advanced

Pastoral Care Worker

A Pastoral Care Worker offers emotional and spiritual support in various settings, helping clients through difficult times and promoting wellbeing.

Avg yearly income $100,516
Skill level Beginner

Priest

A Priest offers spiritual leadership by conducting services, delivering sermons, and providing pastoral care to support their community's faith.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Advanced

Youth Minister

Youth Ministers foster young people's spiritual growth in community settings, organising events, leading worship, and providing guidance.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Advanced

Further reading

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

What do social workers do?

11th December 2019

Courses by location