Past Gatherings

From clergy health experts to pastors leading care in their congregations, come explore our gatherings.

Interested in joining our upcoming gatherings?

Preventing Burnout & Promoting Flourishing Among Clergy

Boston University School of Theology’s Steven Sandage, Laura Captari, and Kristen Hydinger explore the factors that lead to burnout and promote flourishing among clergy. This presentation reports on a series of studies on burnout, vicarious trauma, and well-being among clergy and chaplains.

Research prior to the pandemic showed concerning prevalence rates of trauma symptoms among clergy, however recent data shows even higher rates of trauma and depression in both vocational groups.

Presenters also describe an evidence-based CHRYSALIS framework for the personal and professional formation of clergy and chaplains that addresses these issues through two online program formats (individual, group) currently undergoing a research trial.

Clergy Self Care: How do we measure it? And how does it relate to overall health?

University of Alaska's Nathan West and Appalachian State's Brook Harmon discuss research on clergy self-care. Their multidisciplinary team has examined the faith-leader literature to see how researchers in have defined self-care and examined. They discuss how they reviewed the literature, what they found, and how we can use these findings to continue efforts focused on improving clergy well-being.

National Survey of Religious Leaders

Duke University’s Mark Chaves and Anna Hollaman discuss findings from the National Survey of Religious Leaders. Pulling from a nationally representative sample of American religious leaders, they discuss clergy health, the main challenges clergy face in their ministry, and how political attitudes and practices influence the dynamic between clergy and congregations.

Flourishing in Ministry

Biola University’s Chris Adams shares about the Flourishing in Ministry Initiative and the four building blocks of well-being: happiness, resilience, self-integrity, and thriving. Flourishing in Ministry examines what motivates ministry leaders to be engaged in ministry and what disrupts them from experiencing well-being in their work. Flourishing happens when ministry is a life-enriching rather than a life-depleting experience.

Creating Dementia Friendly Congregations

Although faith communities are centers of social engagement, the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can push those affected away from their faith communities. Fayron Epps of Emory University explores practical tools and resources that clergy and congregations can use to create dementia-friendly congregations.

Best Practices for Effective Clergy Small Groups

Andrea Sielaff of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology discusses the narrative process group model used in The Center for Transforming Engagement’s Resilient Leaders Project, including the results of a qualitative study aiming to increase the resilience of Christian leaders.

Clergy Continuing Education

President of ALLLM (Association of Leaders in Lifelong Learning for Ministry) Helen Blier explores groundbreaking research on the landscape of lifelong learning among theological schools. Helen also serves as the Director of Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.

Presentation Slides (click here)

Clergy Self Care Its Critical Importance & The Challenges in Making It a Priority

Seeds of Hope Counseling’s Rev. Lindsay Geist, LCSW, explores clergy self-care. As a pastor and clinician working with clergy, Lindsay has found that healthy pastors are less likely to violate ethical boundaries. In a season where clergy are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, we will discuss some of the key contributing factors in maintaining healthy clergy well-being. Join us to define self-care, learn what common practices clergy are engaging in, and the barriers that keep them from engaging these practices more regularly.

Clergy Work–Family Conflict, Psychological Distress, and Well Being

Fuller Seminary's Martin Lee offers an interactive gathering exploring the connections between work-family conflict, psychological distress, and well-being among clergy. We discuss factors that increase risk for clergy depression, anxiety, and burnout as well as practical implications for protecting and promoting clergy mental health useful for clergy care providers.

Resources:

Clergy Resilience: Supportive Resources to Balance Role-Related Stress and Adversity

Briercrest Seminary's Margaret Clarke explores the topic of clergy resilience. Dr. Clarke discusses the resources that clergy find helpful and lead to resilience, including spiritual, relational, personal, and organizational practices.

Resources:

Faith After the Pandemic: How COVID-19 Changed American Religion

Lindsey Witt-Swanson from NORC at the University of Chicago and Daniel Cox from American Enterprise Institute explore the impact of the pandemic on American religious life. Lindsey and Daniel present findings from the 2022 American Religious Benchmark Survey and discuss the pandemic's impact on religious affiliation and attendance, including who left and who stayed.

Resources:

Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations

Hartford International University sociologist Dr. Scott Thumma discusses the impact of the pandemic on congregations. Dr. Thumma presents findings from a longitudinal study exploring how congregations responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on congregational life, and what congregational life looks like post-pandemic.

Resources:

The Church as Frontline Mental Health Provider

Duke University sociologist Dr. Anna Holleman and the Executive Director of the H.E. Butt Foundation's Congregational Mental Health Initiatives Rev. Scott Heare offer an interactive webinar discussing the role of the church and its leaders in the delivery of mental health services. Dr. Holleman provides national level analysis on the role of clergy as frontline mental health care workers using recently released data from the National Study of Religious Leaders. Rev. Heare discusses practical mobilization efforts for the church and mental health initiatives.

Resources:

  • Dr. Anna Holleman's Paper in JAMA Psychiatry (Click here)

  • H.E. Butt Foundation Faith and Mental Health (Click here)

  • Hope Made Strong Care Ministry Cohort (Click here)

 

The Future of Religion in America

Since the 1990s, large numbers of Americans have left Christianity to join the growing ranks of U.S. adults who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” This accelerating trend is reshaping the U.S. religious landscape with profound impact on Christian congregations and their leaders. What are these trends and what might religious leaders expect in the coming decades? Alan Cooperman, Director of Religion Research at the Pew Research Center, and Amos Yong, Dean of the School of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary examine the future of religion in America.

To access Pew Religion Research’s full report “Modeling the Future of Religion in America,” click here.

 
 

Quiet Firing: Negatively Impacting the Church Since AD 30

Whether it's called forced termination, mobbing, psychological bullying, or quiet firing, little has been documented of the short and long term effects for individual clergy, their spouse, family, local congregations, and the church at large. Since the crucifixion of Jesus, clergy and their families have been traumatized. Helping clergy, their families, and local congregations heal from psychological and relational injuries may have a long term, positive impact for the church.

Take advantage of this conversation guide.

 
 

Let’s Talk Bivocational Ministry: Equipping Bivocational and Multivocational Pastors

With attention to bivocational ministry on the rise, we are called to re-examine our existing models of ministry and envision new, sustainable systems of support. This gathering addresses the pressing issues affecting bivocational and multivocational pastors and forms strategies that help create a healthier church and a more intentional ministry.

 
 

Forming Religious Leaders: Insights Into Preparing the Next Generation

How should we go about training religious leaders? This is a critical question in a time of rapid religious and cultural change. Dive into this topic with a discussion of early results from The Seminary to Early Ministry (SEM) Study, a 10-year study of more than 500 divinity school students. Watch this gathering to understand how seminarians’ health and well-being changes, how career aspirations shift, and how they are anticipating ministering in ideologically diverse congregations.

 
 

Caring for Clergy: An Exploration of the Field Supporting Pastors

The demands of ministry can be overwhelming. Thankfully, many clergy rely on a complex network of individuals and institutions for support. Like Aaron and Hur who lifted the arms of Moses during battle (Ex. 17), these individuals and organizations care for clergy as denominational leaders, funders, pension, benefits, and insurance officers, frontline providers, and continuing educators. Watch our interactive gathering where Thad Austin, Ph.D., and Katie Comeau, Ph.D., unpacked initial findings from their forthcoming book on the state of clergy care in North America.

 
 

May 2022 — Enhancing Pastor Spouse Effectiveness and Well-being

Many pastors and their spouses face unique challenges because of the nature of pastoral and congregational work. We know that clergy face stress and burnout, but what do we know about clergy spouses? Clergy spouses play a pivotal role in helping create a thriving congregation, yet they themselves feel overwhelmed and burned-out. In addition to our gathering, check out these resources shared during our time together.

 
 

April 2022 — Becoming a Trauma-Informed Community

Many individuals have been exposed to trauma, especially in urban settings and among communities of color. Join us for an interactive gathering providing resources for clergy and congregations on becoming a trauma-informed community. What are the signs of trauma? How can we address the issues of trauma with our communities during a time of polarization, a pandemic, and war? In addition to our gathering, check out these resources shared during our time together.

 
 

March 2022 — Clergy Stress: Complexity and Intervention Possibilities

We hear so much about “stress,” which is actually a very complex topic. What do stress components look like for clergy? What stressors might be particularly important to address for clergy? In this gathering, we explore these questions and practical strategies to reduce stress symptoms for clergy. Led by Dr. Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, Dr. David Eagle, and Ms. Logan Tice from the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, we will discuss fresh insights from a stress-reduction program for clergy called “Selah.”

 
 

February 2022: Measuring and Preventing Pastor Attrition

How common is pastor attrition? How are pastors doing in terms of their wellbeing? What support mechanisms exist for pastors today? Our time together will explore insights on each of these questions based on the 2021 study results conducted by Lifeway Research. Highlighting our current global crisis, this study will be compared with LifeWay's benchmark study in 2017 to reveal whether events in the intervening years such as COVID-19 have impacted pastor habits and perceptions.

Additionally, engage with our discussion guide to further develop these conversations with your community.

 
 

December 2021: The Intersection of Faith & Giving in Pandemic Times

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically impacted the landscape of our faith and non-profit communities, including the ways we give. How are our communities adapting these innovative forms of giving and where is there opportunity to bridge the gap? In this session, we discussed the landscape of stewardship ministry and reflect on the importance of approaching giving as a spiritual engagement. Additionally, engage with our discussion guide to further develop these conversations with your community.

 
 

November 2021: Theological Education and the Future of the Church

Graduate theological schools play a vital role in forming and shaping the future leaders of many congregations and denominational structures. What can we learn from these students about the future of ministry? This virtual gathering explores data related to student experiences and discusses its potential impact on the future of clergy well-being

 
 

October 2021: Building and Sustaining Relationships in the Midst of Polarization Part I & II

All congregations experience tensions between groups within their membership. There are some clear guidelines to get through these tensions without avoiding them or increasing them. In fact, it is possible to build relationships while addressing the polarization. Dr. Barry Johnson, a leading expert on addressing polarity issues will guide us through various applications on addressing polarity issues within our communities.

 
 

September 2021: AME International Heath Commission

The Health Commission of the AME Church has launched an international movement creating culture change in thirty-nine countries and five continents for clergy and congregational well-being. Listen to the Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett and Rev. Dr. Natalie Mitchem discuss their efforts in creating a health-centered that is beneficial for all congregations.

 
 

June 2021 - part 1: How we became the Common Table Collaborative

Three speakers discuss the origins, intentions, and first year of organized activity for this young effort.

 

June 2021 - part 2: Finding joy and launching the Caring for Clergy Field Guide

CTC members share the joy they find in their work; Rev. Dr. Thad Austin presents the details on the survey that will lead to the first-ever comprehensive study of those who care for clergy and congregations.

 

May 2021: Sabbath in a Digital Age

The past year has increased time online and decreased work/life balance. In this digital age, we realize the need for greater attention to Sabbath keeping in light of a culture moving at hyper speed. Three speakers offered current perspectives on this ancient practice: Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd, co-author of The Digital Invasion; Rob Muthiah, theologian and author of The Sabbath Experiment; and Dave Higle, Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church.

 

April 2021: Women in Ministry

Despite gains, contemporary clergywomen still experience significant challenges. Recent denominational research points out persistent patterns of gender discrimination and sexual misconduct affecting women priests and pastors within mainline protestant denominations. In light of these concerns, the Flourishing in Ministry Project is currently conducting a longitudinal study designed to illuminate new clergywomen’s journeys as they transition into their role. Manuela Casti Yeagley spoke about clergywomen’s experiences and challenges.

 

March 2021: New findings from the National Congregations Study

For more than two decades, Mark Chaves, Professor of Sociology, Religion and Divinity at Duke University, has directed the National Congregations Study (NCS), a representative survey of congregations in the U.S. The NCS provides one of clearest windows into the forces shaping and reshaping America’s congregations. As the preeminent study of American faith communities, the NCS provides both theoretical and actionable insights on vital issues ranging from worship and programs to staffing, community activities, and finances.

 

February 2021: The FAN Program and Congregational Health

Dr. Sara Wilcox, Professor and Director of the Prevention Resource Center at the University of Souther Carolina, spoke about FAN (Faith, Activity, Nutrition), a free (CDC-funded) program whose goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating within churches. More than 200 churches have participated so far.

 

December 2020: Why does clergy health matter?

Rev. Dr. Thad Austin and Dr. Chris Elisara from the Ormond Center at Duke University, who are preparing to launch a field guide on clergy health and well-being, led an interactive session to consider why this field matters to God, to our institutions, and to our world.

 

November 2020: Clergy health among Black and Latinx pastors

Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, a licensed psychologist, educator, and co-pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in Philadelphia, spoke about her book, Saving the Lives of Black and Latinx Pastors: A Self-Care Study.

 

October 2020: Three perspectives on clergy spouses

Three members of the Common Table Collaborative spoke about clergy spouses. Adam Mason is Minister of Counseling Services at Houston’s First Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care at Indiana Wesleyan University, a pastor and a clergy spouse; Kathy Heustess is Director of the Center for Wellbeing in the Holston Conference of the UMC, an ordained deacon and a clergy spouse.

 

September 2020: Conflict as spiritual opportunity

Might we find that leaning forward into conflicts is the posture of God—the One who came into the midst of our messiness? What if conflict is the opportunity we need to lean into one another’s lives—to listen, to learn, and to love like Jesus did? Would the world be drawn to a people thus formed, who are “held together” (Col. 1:17) in an inexplicable way, even when conflicts persist? Rev. Michael Gulker, President of The Colossian Forum, joined us to speak about it.

 

August 2020: Clergy burnout and clergy flourishing

Dr. Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell and Dr. David Eagle, researchers with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, presented their findings from more than a decade studying United Methodist pastors in North Carolina.

 

June 2020: Clergy challenges among Covid-19

Three months into the Covid-19 pandemic in North America, Dr. Matt Bloom of the University of Notre Dame joined us for a presentation entitled “Forming & Sustaining a Positive Pastoral Identity During Disruptive Times.”

 

May 2020: Trauma-informed care

Our first-ever gathering featured Dr. David Wang, a licensed psychologist, pastor, and associate professor of psychology and pastoral counseling at Biola University, speaking about trauma-informed care.