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Directors, Religious Activities and Education

SOC 21-2021.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full scope of religious education program direction within congregational and faith-based organizational settings, from entry-level program support through executive-level strategic leadership of education and ministry development.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Religious education curricula — review and apply under supervisor guidance when supporting established study courses within a congregation.
  2. Volunteer recruitment candidates — identify and compile initial lists using congregation directories and community outreach channels under director oversight.
  3. Class structures and scheduling formats — select from pre-approved options when assisting with entry-level religious education programming.
  4. Special events logistics — assist in scheduling camps, retreats, or seminars by coordinating room reservations and basic administrative details under supervision.
  5. Interpersonal concerns of congregants — listen actively and refer individuals to appropriate counseling or pastoral resources when initial needs are identified.
  6. Program participation goals — contribute supporting ideas during team planning meetings with ministry staff and experienced directors.
  7. Instructional materials — order and organize supplies, prepare handouts, and confirm speaker arrangements as directed by senior program staff.
  8. Electronic mail and calendar software — use to communicate event schedules and distribute educational resources to instructors and volunteers.
  9. Office suite and word processing tools — draft correspondence, program agendas, and basic instructional documents for review by supervisors.
  10. Theological and educational concepts — demonstrate foundational knowledge of philosophy and theology when supporting lesson delivery in guided classroom settings.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Religious education study courses — develop and facilitate with reduced oversight, adapting content to meet the learning needs of diverse congregation age groups.
  2. Volunteer recruitment and onboarding — coordinate outreach efforts, conduct initial interviews, and place volunteers in appropriate roles within established ministry programs.
  3. Curricula selection — evaluate and choose appropriate instructional materials and class structures for ongoing religious education programs aligned with congregation goals.
  4. Special events calendar — schedule and manage recurring events such as conferences, seminars, and retreats, handling logistical details with minimal director intervention.
  5. Individual counseling sessions — conduct structured support conversations addressing interpersonal, health, financial, or religious concerns within established pastoral care protocols.
  6. Program goals and participation strategies — collaborate regularly with ministry team members to refine objectives and develop targeted outreach to increase enrollment.
  7. Instructional staff — train new religious education teachers using standardized onboarding materials and provide routine performance feedback.
  8. Presentation and desktop publishing software — produce polished program materials, bulletins, and promotional content to support educational initiatives.
  9. Database and spreadsheet tools — maintain volunteer and participant records, track attendance trends, and generate summary reports for program review.
  10. Learning strategies — apply varied instructional approaches across different congregation demographics when facilitating workshops or small-group study sessions.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive religious education programs — design, direct, and continuously improve multi-track study curricula that serve children, youth, and adult congregants across an entire program year.
  2. Volunteer workforce — autonomously recruit, screen, place, and retain a diverse pool of volunteer workers to sustain all ministry education functions.
  3. Curriculum evaluation and adaptation — independently assess and select instructional frameworks, integrating theological depth with contemporary pedagogical research for non-routine learner populations.
  4. Complex event portfolios — plan and execute multi-day conferences, retreat series, and large-scale seminars, managing budgets, vendors, travel, and contingency planning.
  5. Pastoral counseling — provide skilled, theologically informed counseling to individuals and families facing significant interpersonal, mental health, financial, or spiritual challenges.
  6. Strategic program planning — lead collaborative goal-setting sessions with ministry colleagues, synthesizing diverse perspectives into actionable education program objectives and measurable outcomes.
  7. Instructional staff supervision — mentor and evaluate a full team of religious education instructors, diagnosing performance gaps and designing targeted professional development interventions.
  8. Administrative systems — oversee end-to-end program implementation including materials procurement, speaker contracting, facility scheduling, and compliance with organizational policies.
  9. Web and media platforms — develop and manage web pages and multimedia content to promote religious education programs and extend community engagement beyond the physical campus.
  10. Systems analysis and problem solving — diagnose complex organizational or programmatic challenges within the education ministry and implement evidence-based solutions across multiple program areas.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Religious education vision and strategy — set the long-range direction for all congregational learning ministries, aligning programs with denominational theology, community demographics, and organizational mission.
  2. Volunteer and staff talent pipeline — establish organization-wide recruitment, development, and succession frameworks that ensure sustained leadership capacity across all education ministry roles.
  3. Curriculum governance — lead the institution-level review, adoption, and continual refinement of curricula standards, ensuring theological integrity and educational excellence across all age cohorts.
  4. Multi-site and regional event strategy — design and oversee large-scale conferences, leadership retreats, and inter-congregation educational summits that advance shared ministry priorities.
  5. Counseling and care culture — establish pastoral care policies and referral networks, and mentor ministry staff in delivering consistent, ethically grounded counseling support throughout the congregation.
  6. Cross-functional ministry leadership — convene and facilitate senior ministry leadership teams to forge consensus on education program goals, resource allocation, and organizational growth strategies.
  7. Professional development ecosystem — design and champion organization-wide training systems for religious education staff, integrating coaching, peer learning, and formal credentialing pathways.
  8. Organizational policy and administration — author and implement administrative policies governing program operations, risk management, budgeting, and vendor relationships across the education ministry.
  9. Public communications and thought leadership — represent the organization in denominational bodies, community partnerships, and media channels, advancing the congregation's educational mission externally.
  10. Institutional learning and innovation — lead the evaluation of emerging educational technologies, theological trends, and community needs, translating insights into transformative programmatic change at organizational scale.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted curriculum search — uses AI tools to locate and compile existing religious education materials, lesson plans, and program structures, reviewing each item manually before adoption Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic scheduling support — enters event parameters into an AI assistant to generate draft schedules for camps, retreats, or seminars, then confirms logistics against congregational constraints.
Developing
  1. Volunteer recruitment drafting — delegates initial outreach messages and role descriptions to an AI writing assistant, then personalizes each communication to reflect congregational voice and relational context Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Curriculum selection filtering — directs an AI tool to cross-reference theological content standards against available curricula options, retaining final judgment on doctrinal fit and age-appropriateness Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Program planning acceleration — uses AI to compress the administrative groundwork of event and conference planning, reallocating the time saved toward pastoral relationship-building Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Speaking preparation — delegates background research, scripture cross-referencing, and outline drafts to an AI assistant, while authoring the relational and theological narrative personally Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Counseling resource curation — directs an AI tool to surface evidence-based guidance on interpersonal, financial, or health topics before pastoral counseling sessions, applying social perceptiveness to contextualize recommendations for the individual Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Education program development — orchestrates AI-generated draft syllabi and learning objectives across multiple study courses, then rewrites for theological accuracy, community culture, and pedagogical intent Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Staff and volunteer communication — uses AI to produce first drafts of newsletters, training documents, and onboarding materials at scale, editing for tone and mission alignment before distribution Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Strategic program evaluation — directs AI analysis of attendance, engagement, and outcome data across religious education programs to surface trends, then applies critical thinking to redesign program architecture Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI workflow governance — sets congregation-wide norms for where AI tools are appropriate (administrative, research, scheduling) versus where human pastoral presence is irreplaceable (counseling, sacrament, crisis care), grounding the policy in the Q2 augmentation profile of the occupation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Adaptive curriculum orchestration — runs iterative AI-assisted content development cycles, prompting for theological, cultural, and developmental revisions, and benchmarking outputs against denominational standards before institutional adoption Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 429
Augment share: 42.9%
Time saved: 78.9%
AI autonomy: 3.56
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Speaking
Score: 48.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Religious education messaging — delivers basic program announcements and class schedules to congregation members using clear verbal and written formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Active listening practice — attends to congregant concerns and questions during initial counseling contacts while maintaining respectful eye contact and affirming responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Curriculum communication — reads and summarizes theological or educational materials to present foundational content to small groups O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Program promotion — crafts written communications for newsletters, bulletins, and digital platforms to recruit participants into religious education programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Instructional delivery — presents lesson content to diverse age groups within congregational settings, adjusting vocabulary and examples to audience needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Counseling dialogue — conducts structured pastoral counseling conversations that surface interpersonal, spiritual, or practical concerns through open-ended questioning O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-ministry communication — facilitates collaborative meetings with ministry leaders, articulating program goals, resource needs, and progress updates with clarity and theological grounding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Public speaking leadership — delivers sermons, retreat presentations, or conference addresses that integrate theological frameworks with practical educational content for varied congregational audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Staff communication — conveys instructional expectations, feedback, and policy changes to religious education teachers through formal and informal channels O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational voice — represents the congregation's educational mission in community partnerships, interfaith forums, and public settings as an authoritative and persuasive communicator Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Communication mentorship — coaches volunteer instructors and junior ministry staff in effective faith-based communication, active listening, and audience-adaptive teaching techniques Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis communication — crafts and delivers sensitive messages addressing congregational conflict, grief, or doctrinal questions with pastoral sensitivity and transparent reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Volunteer coordination — identifies and approaches potential volunteer workers for program support roles, following established recruitment processes O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Event facilitation — assists in scheduling and logistics for camps, retreats, or seminars under the direction of senior ministry leadership O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Program leadership — directs the planning and delivery of religious education courses, taking ownership of curriculum selection and class structure decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff supervision — guides and monitors the daily work of religious education instructors, providing directional feedback aligned with program objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Goal-setting leadership — collaborates with ministry colleagues to establish measurable goals and participation targets for religious education programs, driving consensus and accountability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Volunteer development — designs and leads structured onboarding and training processes that equip volunteer instructors with content knowledge and pedagogical skills Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Initiative ownership — identifies underserved groups within the congregation and launches targeted educational or pastoral programs without waiting for top-down directives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ministry vision — articulates and advances a long-range vision for religious education that aligns congregational values, community needs, and theological commitments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Leadership pipeline — mentors emerging ministry leaders and education volunteers, building succession capacity within the religious education department Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Institutional influence — leads cross-departmental initiatives that reshape how the congregation integrates education, worship, and community service into a unified mission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-assessment practice — reflects on lesson delivery effectiveness after each educational session and identifies one specific area for improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy awareness — recognizes personal gaps in theological or educational knowledge and selects resources such as commentaries or professional development courses to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Instructional self-monitoring — evaluates ongoing curriculum effectiveness by comparing observed participant engagement against intended learning outcomes and adjusting accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Counseling reflection — reviews counseling interactions to assess whether chosen approaches matched the congregant's stated needs and spiritual context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program evaluation thinking — systematically analyzes own program planning decisions, identifying assumptions that shaped choices and examining whether outcomes validated those assumptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive learning planning — constructs personal professional development plans that target identified theological, administrative, or pedagogical skill gaps based on honest self-appraisal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — explicitly teaches volunteers and staff to reflect on their own instructional assumptions and learner-impact awareness as a standard professional practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic self-correction — redesigns entire program structures based on rigorous self-evaluation of past initiatives, demonstrating institutional learning driven by honest cognitive reflection Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Curriculum evaluation — reviews proposed curricula against basic theological and age-appropriateness criteria before recommending adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem identification — recognizes when a congregant's presenting concern involves underlying spiritual, psychological, or relational factors requiring deeper exploration O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Evidence-based program design — analyzes participation data, feedback surveys, and attendance trends to identify which program structures produce the strongest engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Theological reasoning — examines competing doctrinal interpretations and applies reasoned judgment to select instructional content consistent with congregational tradition and educational goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Counseling assessment — evaluates the severity and complexity of individuals' interpersonal, financial, or spiritual problems and determines appropriate levels of pastoral care versus professional referral Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Resource prioritization — analyzes program needs against budget, volunteer capacity, and scheduling constraints to make defensible decisions about resource allocation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Policy critique — evaluates proposed program policies or structural changes by stress-testing assumptions and identifying unintended consequences before implementation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic needs analysis — conducts rigorous community and congregational assessments to identify unmet educational and spiritual needs, translating findings into evidence-informed program strategy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Critical mentorship — develops staff capacity for evidence-based reasoning by modeling and teaching systematic evaluation frameworks applied to real ministry decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Doctrinal discernment — leads congregational discernment processes on complex theological questions, facilitating structured dialogue that honors multiple perspectives while arriving at actionable conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Team participation — contributes constructively to ministry planning meetings by sharing observations about learner needs and program logistics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-role coordination — works alongside worship, outreach, and administrative staff to align scheduling and space needs for educational events O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-planning facilitation — collaborates with fellow ministry members to jointly develop religious education goals, sharing responsibility for decisions and outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Volunteer partnership — builds working relationships with volunteer instructors that respect their time, gifts, and perspectives while maintaining program quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdepartmental collaboration — partners with pastoral care, youth ministry, and outreach teams to design integrated programs that address congregants' holistic spiritual development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — manages disagreements among ministry staff or volunteers by surfacing underlying interests, facilitating dialogue, and guiding the group toward shared resolution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Community partnership development — establishes collaborative relationships with external educational institutions, social service agencies, or interfaith organizations to expand program resources O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative culture building — establishes norms and structures across the religious education department that institutionalize collaborative planning, peer feedback, and shared accountability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Network leadership — convenes and coordinates multi-congregation or regional ministry networks to share curriculum resources, train educators collectively, and pursue joint programming Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Confidentiality adherence — maintains strict privacy standards when receiving personal information shared during counseling sessions or pastoral conversations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attendance accountability — fulfills scheduled teaching, administrative, and event coordination responsibilities consistently and on time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical transparency — communicates program limitations, resource constraints, or personal boundaries honestly with congregants and staff rather than overpromising outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Inclusive treatment — demonstrates consistent respect and equitable care toward all congregants regardless of background, age, or level of religious engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Pastoral integrity — models the theological and ethical values the educational programs espouse, maintaining alignment between personal conduct and instructional content Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability ownership — accepts responsibility for program shortfalls or missteps, communicates transparently with leadership, and drives corrective action without deflecting blame Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Boundary professionalism — maintains appropriate relational boundaries in counseling and mentorship contexts, referring individuals to licensed professionals when situations exceed pastoral competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical leadership modeling — establishes the department's ethical culture by consistently demonstrating and articulating principled decision-making, creating visible standards that staff and volunteers internalize Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Community trust stewardship — upholds the congregation's institutional integrity in external partnerships, public roles, and community representation, treating the organization's reputation as a sacred responsibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Whistleblower courage — identifies and addresses ethical violations within ministry operations with transparency and courage, prioritizing institutional accountability over personal comfort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Program variation — introduces alternative activity formats such as discussion circles, visual arts, or service projects into standard religious education classes to diversify learner engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Event ideation — proposes creative themes or formats for retreats, camps, or seminars that connect theological content to contemporary congregant experiences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Curriculum innovation — adapts or redesigns existing curricula by integrating storytelling, multimedia, or experiential learning elements that deepen theological comprehension Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Outreach creativity — designs novel volunteer recruitment campaigns or participation incentives that engage previously uninvolved congregation segments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Original program design — creates new religious education courses or program tracks from concept to implementation, synthesizing theological knowledge, educational theory, and community context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem-solving innovation — devises non-traditional solutions to persistent program challenges such as low attendance, volunteer burnout, or budget constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-disciplinary integration — combines insights from theology, psychology, and education theory to construct programs that address spiritual formation in creatively holistic ways Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Pioneering program models — invents replicable ministry education frameworks that other congregations or regional networks adopt as best practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative ecosystem cultivation — builds a departmental culture where staff and volunteers are encouraged, equipped, and recognized for bringing innovative ideas to program development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts constructive input from supervisors or peer ministry staff about program delivery and incorporates at least one suggested change in the next iteration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning initiative — pursues continuing education in theology, educational methodology, or counseling to expand competence beyond initial training Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback processing — when a program underperforms or an event fails to meet attendance goals, analyzes contributing factors and adjusts the approach rather than abandoning the initiative Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill stretch — voluntarily takes on unfamiliar program responsibilities such as leading a demographic not previously served to build new instructional capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Persistent program improvement — applies iterative cycles of planning, delivery, evaluation, and revision to religious education programs, treating each cycle as a learning opportunity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge reframing — approaches declining participation, budget cuts, or staff turnover as diagnostic information and design constraints rather than definitive failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer learning engagement — actively seeks out mentors, peer directors, or professional networks to continuously update theological and educational practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture leadership — shapes departmental norms so that staff and volunteers openly discuss mistakes, share lessons learned, and pursue skill development as a collective expectation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive resilience modeling — publicly narrates personal learning experiences and professional pivots for staff and congregation members, normalizing growth and effort as spiritual and professional virtues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentive listening presence — gives full, undistracted attention during initial pastoral conversations, resisting the urge to formulate responses before the congregant finishes speaking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional self-awareness — notices personal stress or emotional reactions during difficult counseling or administrative situations before they influence responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Session intentionality — enters each counseling session or educational class with a clear purpose and deliberate awareness of the congregant's or group's emotional climate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress regulation — applies intentional breathing, preparation rituals, or reflective pauses before high-stakes events such as retreats, conflict mediations, or sensitive pastoral conversations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Pastoral attunement — reads verbal and nonverbal cues from congregants during educational or counseling interactions and adjusts approach in real time to match emotional and spiritual readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional program pacing — designs retreat and seminar schedules that incorporate contemplative practices, reflection time, and emotional processing space alongside content delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Boundary awareness — monitors personal emotional depletion in high-demand ministry seasons and implements self-care practices to maintain sustainable pastoral presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Contemplative community building — integrates mindfulness and reflective practices into the educational culture of the congregation, modeling and teaching present-moment awareness as a spiritual formation tool Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational emotional intelligence — reads group dynamics across ministry teams and congregation subgroups with refined attunement, intervening with intentional communication before tensions escalate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Commitment persistence — continues preparing and delivering religious education programming during periods of low participation or limited organizational support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — moves forward on program planning under conditions of incomplete budget approval or unconfirmed volunteer commitments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Adversity navigation — maintains program continuity and staff morale during congregation-wide disruptions such as pastoral leadership transitions, facility losses, or community crises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous outreach — initiates contact with disengaged or skeptical congregation members to invite participation in educational programs despite anticipating resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained advocacy — persistently advocates for adequate staffing, curriculum resources, and program funding across multiple budget cycles despite repeated institutional resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis pastoral endurance — provides consistent educational and counseling support to congregants through extended periods of community grief, conflict, or organizational instability without diminishing service quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Difficult conversation courage — addresses staff underperformance, doctrinal disputes, or program failures directly and constructively rather than avoiding necessary confrontation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional resilience leadership — guides the religious education department through major organizational adversity, sustaining team cohesion, mission clarity, and program delivery under prolonged pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous prophetic voice — raises difficult ethical, theological, or institutional concerns within congregational leadership forums despite personal or professional risk, driven by commitment to the community's well-being Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Endurance modeling — narrates and reflects on personal ministry hardships for emerging leaders, translating lived experience of perseverance into formative mentorship that builds others' resilience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Adult Ministries Director · Campus Ministries Director · Campus Ministry Director · Children and Family Ministries Director · Children and Youth Ministries Director · Children's Director · Children's Ministries Coordinator · Children's Ministries Director · Children's Ministry Director · Christian Education Director · Church Supervisor · Family Ministries Director
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
SpeakingSocial PerceptivenessActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionInstructingService OrientationCoordinationLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingMonitoringPersuasionSystems AnalysisTime ManagementNegotiationManagement of Personnel Resources
Knowledge domains
Philosophy and TheologyEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguagePsychologyTherapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and Media
Abilities
Written ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningFluency of Ideas
Work styles
IntegrityEmpathyDependabilitySinceritySocial OrientationCooperation
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareElectronic mail softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareOffice suite softwareSpreadsheet softwarePresentation softwareDesktop publishing softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
  2. Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
  3. Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
  4. Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
  5. Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
  6. Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
  7. Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.
  8. Implement program plans by ordering needed materials, scheduling speakers, reserving space, or handling other administrative details.
CIP education codes
30.250230.530139.020139.030139.040139.050239.059939.070139.070239.070339.070439.070539.070639.079951.150651.3201

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.