Ministers of religion, or clergymen, attend to the spiritual and moral needs of a church congregation.
Clergymen deliver sermons; lead services of worship; administer sacraments; conduct weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies; provide instruction to individuals interested in joining the church; counsel those seeking guidance; visit the sick, elderly, handicapped and bereaved.
Ministers of religion may be engaged in community, civic, educational and recreational activities sponsored by or related to the church. They also have administrative duties such as writing testimonials for members of their congregation. Some are ex-officio members of clerical bodies which manage the joint activities of the church.
They work in a variety of settings: in their churches and living quarters, in the homes of congregation members, as well as in hospitals, nursing homes, community meeting rooms, schools and religious institutions.