How to Become an

Adult Ministry Director

The complete career guide to be an Adult Ministry Director: salary, job growth, employers, best schools, and education you may need to get started.
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Why We Love It

  • $45,160
    Potential Avg. Salary
  • 4.2%
    Job Growth Rate
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook
  • Creativity Focused
    Career Attribute

An Adult Ministries Director is in charge of ensuring the coordination of mission and vision for all programs and educational activities related to adult ministries, at any given Christian institution.

 

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What is an Adult Ministry Director?

Duties

The duties of an Adult Ministry Director include the following responsibilities:

  • Work alongside other Christian leaders to learn about the educational curriculum and other beneficial resources available for adults to better assist teachers and group leaders on selection of subject matter the will encourage self-reflection and growth.
  • Communicate with diverse organisations, agencies and people in the community space that connects with adults, and further create networks between the congregation and such communities.
  • Pay close attention to the challenges, hopes and necessities of the community to clearly understand how the congregation may serve them appropriately and how they may also serve each other as believes of the Christian faith and fellow neighbors.
  • Monitor administrative functioning of the adult ministry, such as keeping track of the budget and other financial records for various programs, in coordination with the adult ministry coordinator.
  • Clearly state and encourage a goal-focused ministry, ranging between book study events, group gatherings and retreats.

Day In The Life

Besides continuing their routine work at the church, an adult ministries director may have to travel to a wide range of communities or countries on mission-specific travel. Traveling nationally and internationally is usually a way by which disciples of the congregation learn the value of supporting others in crisis and spreading the lessons of the church. The main goal of the adult ministries director is to successfully engage with various groups of people including political leaders, at every level of their careers.

Especially in the case of political leaders, they must be given special guidance via discipleship and Bible studies since they are frequently away from the stability of home and family as well as any means of spiritual support. At times, you will be expected to organise conferences, meetings and counselling events that will establish a sense of fraternity among all followers.

Work Schedule

The adult ministries director should be a committed Christian who is accustomed to working in a Church environment and is attuned to the Christian Beliefs of the concerned ministry.

Growth Of The Job

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the job potential for directors of religious groups, such as adult ministries coordinators and directors, is expected to rise up to 6% between 2014-2024.

Typical Employers

An adult ministries director can find reliable employment with various ministries of Christian faith. For instance, you can seek job opportunities with The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Saddleback Church, Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Compass Christian Church, Archdiocese of Boston, Stonecroft Ministries, Inc., etc. Such a position may also be found at a church or a non-profit religious organisation. Some also choose to serve as director on a volunteer basis.

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How To Become an Adult Ministry Director

According to the BLS, leaders in the church ministry including this role, should have completed a college degree in a relevant field like theology, religious studies, family studies, etc. Coursework may include child psychology and communication. While specific majors are not mentioned, you could sign up for a leadership program – one of many offered with different concentrations, such as in the youth ministry.

Besides studying the church doctrine closely, along with holy texts and the historical context, to be successful as an adult ministries director means being familiar with the latest trends in adult life. You must be well aware of the hardships and tough decisions that adults face in today’s world, to successfully provide just and insightful counsel in a way that is interpreted correctly and respectful towards the given circumstance. The best method is to abide by what you preach, such as displaying good qualities like patience and self-discipline. You must be comfortable as a public speaker and with giving presentations as needed in this type of position, where interacting with large groups in the audience is not uncommon.

While the job projection for this type of profession is not seen as very promising between 2014-2024 when compared to other occupations, you can succeed if you build your credentials from an early age. For instance, volunteer with groups that have similar interests, complete an apprenticeship or extensive internship and cultivate skills that stand out, such as solid leadership and management, to increase your job prospects.

Adult Ministry Director Salary Data

We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.

National Anual Salary

Low Range

$26,630

Average

$45,160

High Range

$80,880

National Hourly Wage

Low Range

$13/hr

Average

$22/hr

High Range

$39/hr

How do Adult Ministry Director salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Adult Ministry Director's can make an average annual salary of $45,160, or $22 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $26,630 or $13 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.

Salary Rankings And Facts

  • #448 Nationally for All Careers

Programs and Degrees

Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Adult Ministry Director. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.

Highest Education Among Adult Ministry Directors

  • 5.1%   Doctorate
  • 23.4%   Masters
  • 37.5%   Bachelors
  • 9.4%   Associates
  • 15.1%   College
  • 7.3%   High School
  • 2.2%   Less than High School

Job Growth Projections and Forecast

2014 Total Jobs

131,900

2024 Est. Jobs

137,500

Job Growth Rate

4.2%

Est. New Jobs

5,600

How does Adult Ministry Director job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 5,600 jobs for a total of 137,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 4.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.

Growth Rankings And Facts

  • #471 Nationally for All Careers

What Companies Employ The Most Adult Ministry Directors

Industry Current Jobs New Jobs Needed % Increase
Elementary and secondary schools; private 1,600 100 0%
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; private 900 200 0%
Self-employed workers 800 100 0%

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