Clergy Wellness

Following a recent post by Rev. Austin Adkinson where he shared his own struggles with anxiety, Sun Magrath gives an overview of the general kinds people encounter. "Anxiety is not a sign of weakness," Magrath writes. "It is an understandable and treatable disorder that can be overcome..."

The Rev. Dr. Joanne Carlson Brown offers her insights on the unique challenges faced by queer clergy in The United Methodist Church when it comes to wellness. She speaks to the value of sacred community and love in providing necessary support.

An impromptu jog in the spring with his children, eager to try out new bicycles, left Scott Klepach of Yakima: Wesley UMC with a new appreciation for proper running gear. It also caused him to reflect on the benefits of shared experiences and the relationships formed in them. As a student pastor, connections with other students, often facilitated by technology, have already made a positive impact.

In her latest post to the Clergy Wellness blog, Sue Magrath encourages pastors to consider the concept of Sacred Play. In a role so often burdened with unrealistic internal and external expectations, play could provide an avenue toward discovering balance, maintaining perspective, and sustaining energy.

By Linda Weistaner I went on my first silent retreat around ten years ago with a group of 15 others.  The retreat began with the leaders,...

By Sue Magrath | Sacred Mountain Ministries I want to personally thank all of you who took the time to respond to our survey. We ended up with...

"I know that I am not alone in my difficulty with saying no. There are a lot of clergy who suffer from the same ailment." Sue Magrath reflects on the needed discipline of saying "no" and makes a case for exploring the hidden, unnamed, motivations of our "Yeses."

In her post for the Clergy Wellness Corner, Rev. Lara Bolger talks about the importance of finding support for the hard work of ministry. Especially "during this tumultuous time in the life of our denomination," she argues that clergy "can really hold each other up."

By Sue Magrath | Sacred Mountain Ministries The clergy wellness task force has been working for the last several months to put together a “Helping Professionals Directory” for...

By Rev. Cheryl A. Fear, Retired A few years ago I officiated at the wedding of two dear friends. Instead of an honorarium, the bride...