---
name: pastoral-worker
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'pastoral worker' (also: parish worker, church pastoral worker, ministry pastoral worker, religious worker, lay worker). Use when the user asks for typical pastoral worker work such as: Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.; Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.; Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations."
---

# Pastoral Worker

Pastoral workers support religious communities. They provide spiritual education and guidance and implement programmes such as charity works and religious rites. Pastoral workers also assist ministers and help participants in the religious community with social, cultural or emotional problems.

## Core workflow

1. Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
2. Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.
3. Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
4. Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
5. Implement program plans by ordering needed materials, scheduling speakers, reserving space, or handling other administrative details.
6. Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
7. Analyze member participation or changes in congregational emphasis to determine needs for religious education.
8. Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- build community relations
- establish collaborative relations
- mentor individuals
- observe confidentiality
- perform religious ceremonies
- promote religious activities
- provide charity services
- provide spiritual counselling
- respond to enquiries

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe Photoshop
- Google Workspace software
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Zoom
- Facebook
- Microsoft Word

---
*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/665266cb-50dd-44a5-a920-ab04c67e251a), O*NET 30.3 (21-2021.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*