A clergyman is a man whose profession is leading religious services and guiding people in their faith. Clergymen include priests, ministers, rabbis, pastors, and imams. They conduct weddings and funerals, teach about their religion, counsel people through difficult times, and lead their congregations in prayer and worship.

While clergyman specifically refers to men, many religious traditions now ordain women too. Some people use clergywoman for women in these roles, though clergy member or simply clergy works for anyone.

Throughout history, clergymen have played central roles in their communities. In medieval Europe, clergymen were often the only people in a village who could read and write. In American history, clergymen like Jonathan Edwards shaped entire movements of religious revival. Today, a clergyman might run a food pantry, visit hospital patients, teach classes about scripture, or simply listen when someone needs to talk.

The life of a clergyman involves much more than just Sunday services. It requires years of religious study, a genuine calling to serve others, and the ability to help people during their most important and difficult moments.