Membership growth in Protestant churches, such as the Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian denominations, has been stagnant in the past few years. Aging membership has caused church budgets and membership to shrink, lessening the demand for full-time ministers. There has also been a significant increase in membership in evangelical churches. Overall, the increased cost of church operations is expected to limit the demand for ministers. The closing or combining of smaller parishes, and the reduced availability of funds, have lessened the need for full-time ministers. And, although the number of ministry graduates is also declining, ministers should expect competition for some parish jobs, especially the more desirable, urban ones.
Job prospects for clergy are expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Demand for ministers will vary depending on affiliation, with evangelical churches needing the most ministers. Graduates of theological schools have the best prospects for employment, as do ministers willing to work in rural churches with smaller congregations, salary, and benefits. They may also have to minister to two or more smaller congregations to earn a sufficient salary. Employment opportunities may depend on ministers retiring, passing away, or leaving the profession.