Is it even possible for pastors to practice rest and self-care?
Like many essential workers, pastors are pushed to work very hard for very little. It’s no surprise that so many of us are tired.
Living into joy, late in the pandemic
A walk by a stream prompts a writer and spiritual director to wonder: Could a fresh understanding of joy help restore us?
Clinging to hope in pandemic times
Despair is an understandable response to the world around us, writes an author and independent scholar living with bipolar disorder. But she finds hope in her trust that God is with her through it all.
Who cares for the shepherds? The secondary trauma of faith leaders must be addressed
The toll of the last six months on clergy requires a sustained response, from the seminary and denominational levels as well as congregations, writes an expert on faith and mental health.
A commitment to personal rituals can sustain clergy, even during a pandemic
Pastors can benefit from adaptable, restorative practices, writes a leading researcher on well-being in the workplace.
How can congregations help Black clergywomen flourish?
Intentional self-care, a church’s ethos of care and congregational openness to new approaches are notable factors that contribute to the thriving of Black clergywomen, a researcher has found.
Taking a lesson from the seed -- find joy
A New York City pastor writes about the tradition of resilience in Black churches and how she finds joy in troubled times.
Jessica Young Brown: Ministers cannot thrive if they neglect themselves
Clergy must honor all aspects of their lives to be healthy in ministry, writes a clinical psychologist who focuses on faith and mental health.
Mike Cope: Contemplation, relationships, emotional maturity and self-care are key to pastoral thriving
Theological training doesn’t offer ministers everything they need to flourish. Pastoral peer groups that develop additional competencies can fill the gap, writes a minister who is director of ministry outreach at Pepperdine University.
