Are you feeling stuck trying to figure out your career path? You want more than just a paycheck — you want a job that allows you to serve God and make a real difference in people’s lives. But what are the best careers for Christians, and what does the Bible say about the vocation we choose? These are important questions, so let’s explore how your work can glorify God and make a difference with 42 of the best jobs for Christians. Whether you’re looking to lead, create, teach, or care for others, there’s a path for you — and we’ll help you find it.

What Are the Best Jobs for Christians: Exploring FAQs

First, let’s answer some of the most pressing questions Christians have about balancing their work with their walk with God.

What Does God Say About Career Choice?

God’s Word doesn’t prescribe specific careers for us, but it does provide clear guidance on how we should live and work. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 22:37–39 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Whatever career you pursue, your primary calling is to honor God and care for others. Some careers might be more promising than others at caring for others; however, choosing a career is personal, and prayer, discernment, and seeking wise counsel are powerful tools to figure out the path that’s right for you.

What Are Bible-Approved Vocations?

There aren’t “Bible-approved” careers listed in Scripture; God cares more about how you live than the specific job title you hold. That said, some choices in work clearly go against Biblical teachings, such as professions that exploit others, harm creation, or lead to unethical behavior. For instance, a career that thrives on dishonesty or injustice wouldn’t reflect God’s will for how we should treat others. The key is to choose a vocation that allows you to honor God’s principles whilst also serving the world’s needs.

What Jobs Glorify God?

While any job that reflects God’s love and serves His purposes can glorify Him, some careers are especially promising for impact-minded Christians who seek to serve the world’s needs:

Jobs that help the poor and sick either directly through medical charity or indirectly through research or earning-to-give.
Positions that bring others closer to God, such as missions.
Careers that preserve creation, like environmental science or wildlife ecology.
Work that tackles injustice, such as policy or advocacy work.

Whatever path you choose, when you approach your work with humility, purpose, and a heart devoted to God, you’re making Him proud.

Look through our Best Christian Jobs Guide for more impact-driven careers that honor God.

42 Best Careers for Christians in High-Impact Areas

Christians often seek careers that not only make a tangible difference but also glorify God. Below is a detailed breakdown of 42 impactful careers across high-impact areas. Each role includes work responsibilities, required skills, suitable personality types, and recommended degrees (including advanced degrees).

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Global Poverty

Global poverty is a deeply challenging issue that affects millions of lives, stripping individuals of basic needs like food, shelter, and education. Here’s how you can make an impact:

1.1. Economist

Work: Research and measure the effects of interventions like cash transfers on poverty (e.g., Paul Niehaus).
Skills: Quantitative analysis, data modeling, critical thinking.
Good For: Christians passionate about systemic change and data-driven solutions.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics, PhD in Public Policy.

1.2. Fundraiser

Work: Build donor relationships to raise funds for poverty alleviation charities.
Skills: Communication, networking, sales.
Good For: Outgoing Christians with strong interpersonal skills.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Communications, Nonprofit Management.

1.3. For-Profit Entrepreneur

Work: Launch businesses in low-income regions, such as Wave, to address poverty; Launch any profitable business to earn-to-give for global poverty.
Skills: Business strategy, adaptability, operations, innovation.
Good For: Risk-tolerant Christians passionate about impact and innovation.
Degrees: Degrees optional; MBA as an expensive investment in skills and networks.

1.4. Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Work: Assess the effectiveness of poverty-focused programs (e.g., for GiveWell).
Skills: Statistical analysis, attention to detail, program evaluation.
Good For: Analytical Christians with a love for data and measurable outcomes.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, Master’s in Statistics, Master’s in Public Policy, other quantitative degrees.

1.5. Congressional Staffer

Work: Working for a US House or Senate representative. Using your proximity to legislators and politicians to influence foreign aid policy.
Skills: Legislative analysis, operations, communication, political strategy.
Good For: Christians passionate about government reform and policy.
Degrees: Various.

1.6. Communications and Fundraising (for Poverty)

Work: Promote effective charities like GiveDirectly or International Care Ministries.
Skills: Marketing, storytelling, relationship-building.
Good For: Christians skilled in connecting and inspiring action.
Degrees: Any BA degree

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Easily Preventable or Treatable Diseases

Easily preventable or treatable diseases continue to claim millions of lives every year, particularly in underserved communities that lack access to proper healthcare and education. Here’s how you can make an impact:

2.1. Medical Doctor

Work: Engage in vaccine research (e.g., Andrew Pollard), direct medical missions, or earn-to-give.
Skills: Clinical expertise, empathy, resilience.
Good For: Christians called to heal and innovate.
Degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD).

2.2. Allied Health Professional

Work: Deliver hands-on healthcare or fund health-related programs. Most impactful in Western contexts and earning to give or via direct medical missions.
Skills: Patient care, adaptability, teamwork.
Good For: Christians who value practical, hands-on roles.
Degrees: Master’s in Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, other professional degrees.

2.3. Economist / Infectious Disease Researcher

Work: Research and measure the effects of health interventions like water chlorination (e.g., Colin Aitken’s work at Development Innovation Lab) or disease spread (e.g. Ana Karina-Pitol)
Skills: Analytical thinking, quantitative modeling.
Good For: Christians with quantitative skills who care about global health systems.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics, PhD in Public Policy, PhD in Public Health, PhD in Epidemiology

2.4. Nonprofit Entrepreneur

Work: Found health initiatives like Nick Laing’s OneDayHealth.
Skills: Leadership, creativity, operational management.
Good For: Visionary Christians wanting to innovate in health charity work.
Degrees: Any BA degree; knowledge of public health helps. Master of Public Health (MPH) or MBA can be beneficial.

2.5. Congressional Staffer

Work: Working for a US House or Senate representative. Using your proximity to legislators and politicians to influence foreign aid policy.
Skills: Legislative strategy, communication, research.
Good For: Christians wanting to influence policies.
Degrees: Various.

2.6. Communications and Fundraising

Work: Promote effective health charities like New Incentives.
Skills: Marketing, networking, storytelling.
Good For: Christians adept at advocacy and relationship-building.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Communications, Marketing.

2.7. Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Work: Evaluate the impact of health programs, e.g., for SCI Foundation.
Skills: Data analysis, program evaluation, problem-solving.
Good For: Analytical Christians with a love for data and measurable outcomes.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, Master’s in Statistics, Master’s in Public Health, Master’s in Public Policy, other quantitative degrees.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Missions

Missions are about more than traveling to distant lands — they’re about carrying God’s love and truth to people who desperately need hope and support. Here’s how you can make an impact:

3.1. Nonprofit Entrepreneur

Work: Launch mission-focused charities (e.g., Ed Michaelson).
Skills: Leadership, networking, innovation, passion for the Gospel.
Good For: Christians eager to create disruptive, transformative organizations.
Degrees: Any BA degree; knowledge of ministry or management is beneficial.

3.2. Economist / Social Science Researcher

Work: Research and measure the effective missions and study their characteristics.
Skills: Analytical thinking, quantitative modeling.
Good For: Christians with quantitative skills who care about missions.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics or a quantitative field. PhD in Economics, PhD in Public Policy.

3.3. Communications and Fundraising

Work: Raise funds and awareness for mission charities.
Skills: Writing, storytelling, relationship-building.
Good For: Christians skilled at connecting with others.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Communications, Marketing.

3.4. For-Profit Entrepreneur

Work: Launch a business in the West to earn-to-give to support missions in lower-cost countries.
Skills: Business strategy, adaptability, operations, innovation.
Good For: Risk-tolerant Christians passionate about the Gospel.
Degrees: Degrees optional; MBA as an expensive investment in skills and networks.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Politics and Policy

Politics and policy shape the systems and structures that affect everything from social justice to economic opportunities to protecting the most vulnerable. Here’s how you can make an impact:

4.1. Economist or Think Tank Researcher

Work: Model the effects of public policies and conduct policy research.
Skills: Data analysis, critical thinking, communication, writing.
Good For: Christians passionate about policy and systemic change.
Degrees: Master’s in Politics, Economics, Social science

4.2. Fundraiser

Work: Raise funds for lobby efforts or campaigns.
Skills: Networking, persuasion, relationship-building.
Good For: Outgoing Christians skilled in advocacy.
Degrees: Any BA degree

4.3. Congressional Staffer

Work: Support policymakers by researching and drafting legislation.
Skills: Legislative expertise, communication, political strategy.
Good For: Christians interested in direct governmental influence across a range of causes.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Public Administration, other relevant degrees.

4.4. Civil Service

Work: Administer programs in government agencies effectively.
Skills: Operations, Conscientiousness, problem-solving.
Good For: Christians desiring to work behind the scenes on significant but sometimes bureaucratic projects within the government.
Degrees: Various.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Climate Change

Climate change is threatening the Earth that God designed for us to steward, impacting vulnerable communities most dramatically through rising sea levels, extreme weather, and loss of resources. Here’s how you can make an impact:

5.1. Environmental Economist

Work: Measure climate impacts on poverty, health, and animal welfare, e.g., Shilpita Matthews.
Skills: Data analysis, research, communication.
Good For: Christians passionate about climate justice.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics, Environmental Policy.

5.2. Founder (Clean Tech Startups)

Work: Develop technologies to address climate challenges.
Skills: Innovation, engineering, business strategy.
Good For: Visionary Christians with technical expertise.
Degrees: Degrees optional; MBA for entrepreneurial skills.

5.3. Congressional Staffer

Work: Working for a US House or Senate representative. Using your proximity to legislators and politicians to advocate for clean air and climate policies.
Skills: Political strategy, operations, research, advocacy.
Good For: Christians who enjoy influencing policy.
Degrees: Any BA degree

5.4. Civil Service

Work: Manage environmental protection or clean air programs within the government, e.g. Kirstin Horton
Skills: Policy administration, writing, problem-solving, leadership.
Good For: Christians drawn to impactful government work.
Degrees: Various.

5.5. Nonprofit Entrepreneur

Work: Found charities addressing environmental issues, including air pollution or lead poisoning.
Skills: Leadership, networking, innovation, operations.
Good For: Christians eager to create disruptive, transformative organizations.
Degrees: Any BA degree; knowledge of the field is helpful.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Catastrophic Pandemics

Catastrophic pandemics pose a significant threat to global health, economies, and communities, often hitting the weakest and most marginalized the hardest. Here’s how you can make an impact:

6.1. Economist / Epidemiologist

Work: Research and measure the effects of health interventions like water chlorination (e.g., Colin Aitken’s work at Development Innovation Lab).
Skills: Analytical thinking, quantitative modeling.
Good For: Christians with quantitative skills who care about global health systems.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics, PhD in Public Policy, PhD in Public Health, PhD in Epidemiology

6.2. Vaccine Researcher / Infectious Disease Researcher

Work: Develop new vaccines (e.g., Andrew Pollard of Oxford COVID vaccine) or study biological components to disease spread (e.g. Ana Karina-Pitol, Jordan Warner)
Skills: Scientific research, lab expertise, problem-solving.
Good For: Christians with a love for science and innovation.
Degrees: PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, or Biochemistry.

6.3. Civil Service

Work: Manage pandemic preparedness activities, workshops, and rollouts within the government e.g. Katarina Watney
Skills: Policy administration, operations, writing, problem-solving, leadership.
Good For: Christians drawn to impactful government work.
Degrees: MPH, Various.

6.4. For-Profit Entrepreneur

Work: Innovate in pandemic prevention and mitigation (e.g., antimicrobial resistance, PPE), e.g., Adam Winnifrith, Thomas Milton.
Skills: Business development, innovation, technical expertise, pitching to investors, networking.
Good For: Christians with entrepreneurial drive.
Degrees: Degrees optional.

6.5. Think Tank Researcher

Work: Study feasibility and costs of pandemic interventions, e.g., Caleb Watney at the Institute for Progress
Skills: Policy analysis, research, advocacy.
Good For: Christians interested in high-level policy work.
Degrees: Master’s in Public Policy, PhD in Public Policy.

6.6. Congressional Staffer

Work: Promote pandemic preparedness policies.
Skills: Legislative strategy, communication, research.
Good For: Christians passionate about influencing legislation.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Public Administration, other degrees.

6.7. Communications and Journalism

Work: Raise awareness of pandemic risks and solutions.
Skills: Writing, storytelling, public speaking.
Good For: Christians adept at informing and inspiring action.
Degrees: Any BA degree, Master’s in Communications, Journalism.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty reflects a failure to honor God’s creatures, leaving countless animals neglected, abused, or exploited. Here’s how you can make an impact:

7.1. Environmental Economist

Work: Model market forces’ effects on animal welfare.
Skills: Data modeling, research, analysis.
Good For: Analytical Christians with a passion for helping animals at scale.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics.

7.2. Nonprofit Entrepreneur

Work: Found effective animal welfare organizations (e.g., FarmKind, Good Food Institute).
Skills: Leadership, advocacy, operations, marketing.
Good For: Christians who are multi-talented, risk-tolerant, and driven to end factory farming.
Degrees: Any BA degree; Master of Nonprofit Management or MBA can help.

7.3. For-Profit Entrepreneur

Work: Create businesses with the focus of earning-to-give for cash-strapped animal welfare charities
Skills: Innovation, strategy, business operations.
Good For: Risk-tolerant Christians who are sacrificial enough to earn-to-give.
Degrees: Degrees optional; MBA can expand networks.

7.4. Congressional Staffer

Work: Working for a US House or Senate representative. Using your proximity to legislators and politicians to advocate for humane animal welfare policies.
Skills: Political strategy, operations, research, advocacy.
Good For: Christians who enjoy influencing policy.
Degrees: Any BA degree

7.5. Civil Service

Work: Oversee animal welfare regulations and enforcement.
Skills: Policy administration, operations, writing, problem-solving, leadership.
Good For: Christians drawn to impactful government work.
Degrees: Various.

7.6. Fundraiser

Work: Secure funding for cash-strapped effective animal welfare charities.
Skills: Communication, relationship-building, networking.
Good For: Outgoing Christians passionate about advocacy.
Degrees: Any BA degree.

Best Careers for Christians To Impact Nuclear Security

Nuclear security is of the utmost importance because the risk of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands or causing untold devastation through misuse is an ongoing global concern. Here’s how you can make an impact:

8.1. Economist

Work: Model nuclear risk scenarios and evaluate policy interventions.
Skills: Data modeling, forecasting, policy evaluation.
Good For: Christians passionate about global security.
Degrees: Master’s in Economics, PhD in Economics, PhD in Public Policy, PhD International Affairs

8.2. Think Tank Researcher

Work: Study national security and nuclear proliferation policy.
Skills: Research, advocacy, strategy.
Good For: Intellectual Christians with a heart for writing reports and systemic policy reform
Degrees: Master’s in Public Policy, Master’s in International affairs, PhD in Political Science.

8.3. Communications and Journalism

Work: Communicate nuclear risks via new media to a post-Cold War audience.
Skills: Writing, storytelling, advocacy.
Good For: Christians skilled at public engagement.
Degrees: Various.

Each career path offers a way to glorify God through your work and make a lasting impact on His people or creation.

Align Your Career With Your Faith To Make a Lasting Impact

Choosing a career that aligns with your faith is a powerful way to live out your calling while making a meaningful impact in the world. Whether it’s addressing urgent needs like global poverty, health crises, or environmental stewardship, there are countless opportunities to glorify God through your work. Take time to reflect on the unique skills and gifts God has given you, and consider how they can be used to serve Him and His people.

For more resources and inspiration on good jobs for Christians, check out our Best Christian Jobs Guide. It’s packed with insights and opportunities to help you find a career that honors Christ and creates lasting change.

42 Impactful Careers for Christians Who Want To Serve God In Their Work