Clergy Wellness and Mutual Ministry

Clergy Wellness and Mutual Ministry PDF Author: Pamela Lee Cranston
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780966843132
Category : Clergy
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description
The Episcopal Church today is taking a closer look at the issues of "wellness" and "work", primarily for its clergy: bishops, priests and deacons. The basic reality prompting this effort is that healthy clergy make for healthy parishes.

Clergy Wellness and Mutual Ministry

Clergy Wellness and Mutual Ministry PDF Author: Pamela Lee Cranston
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780966843132
Category : Clergy
Languages : en
Pages : 72

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Episcopal Church today is taking a closer look at the issues of "wellness" and "work", primarily for its clergy: bishops, priests and deacons. The basic reality prompting this effort is that healthy clergy make for healthy parishes.

How Are You “Being”?

How Are You “Being”? PDF Author: Frederick J. Streets
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1666778095
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
COVID-19 forced clergy to attend to the needs of their congregations in new ways. But it also encouraged them to look again at how they attended to their own needs. Self-awareness and self-care are often imperative for clergy well-being, which in turn affects the well-being of their congregations. During the pandemic, clergy gained new insight into how they were "being"--how they might access internal and external resources that allowed them to thrive not only as pastors but also beyond their professional role. This book is based on multifaceted surveys of clergy personal responses to the pandemic. It encourages readers to consider the importance of an ethic of clergy well-being. Its practical examples and self-care protocol for clergy are intended to foster discussion within individual contexts. This is an important read for clergy, lay leaders, denominational stewards, and seminary and divinity school students and faculty as they engage in discerning the future needs of leaders of the church.

Faithful and Fractured

Faithful and Fractured PDF Author: Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1493410733
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
Clergy suffer from certain health issues at a rate higher than the general population. Why are pastors in such poor health? And what can be done to help them step into the abundant life God desires for them? Although anecdotal observations about poor clergy health abound, concrete data from multiple sources supporting this claim hasn't been made accessible--until now. Duke's Clergy Health Initiative (CHI), a major, decade-long research project, provides a true picture of the clergy health crisis over time and demonstrates that improving the health of pastors is possible. Bringing together the best in social science and medical research, this book quantifies the poor health of clergy with theological engagement. Although the study focused on United Methodist ministers, the authors interpret CHI's groundbreaking data for a broad ecumenical readership. In addition to physical health, the book examines mental health and spiritual well-being, and suggests that increasing positive mental health may prevent future physical and mental health problems for clergy. Concrete suggestions tailored to clergy are woven throughout the book.

Flourishing in Ministry

Flourishing in Ministry PDF Author: Matt Bloom
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1538118971
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 149

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Book Description
Pastoral work can be stressful, tough, demanding, sometimes misunderstood, and often underappreciated and underpaid. Ministers devote themselves to caring for their congregations, often at the expense of caring for themselves. Studies consistently show that physical health among clergy is significantly worse than among adults who are not in ministry. Flourishing in Ministry offers clergy and those who support them practical advice for not just surviving this grueling profession, but thriving in it. Matt Bloom, director of the Flourishing in Ministry project, shares groundbreaking research from more than a decade of study. Flourishing in Ministry project draws on more than five thousand surveys and three hundred in-depth interviews with clergy across denominations, ages, races, genders, and years of practice in ministry. It distills this deep research into easily understandable stages of flourishing that can be practiced at any stage in ministry or ministry formation.

Thriving in Ministry

Thriving in Ministry PDF Author: Jennifer Weddle Smith
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Clergy
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
The call to serve God's people is an awesome responsibility and a tremendous privilege. The call requires a deep investment which challenges the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of clergy. Research and personal experience make evident that the demands and pace of ministry can threaten the wellness of pastors. Statistics reveal that clergy have above average rates of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. These health realities can be devastating to the clergy person and to the communities they serve. This project is based upon my belief that lasting well-being can be achieved and maintained by integrating theological and biblical reflection, increased knowledge regarding wholistic health, and honest self-reflection. We found that participation in an incubator group which focused on these elements had a positive impact on participating clergy. Eight clergy volunteered to participate in the three-month experience. Participants shared five bi-monthly meetings and a two-day retreat which integrated peer support, focused lessons, and reading materials. The sessions and reading guided clergy in exploring components of physical wellness including nutrition, exercise, activity and sabbath. Components of emotional and relationship wellness, with an emphasis on family systems theory and differentiation, were also explored. The entire experience was undergirded by in-depth exploration of how our theology and biblical foundation guide our thinking and behaviors, which in turn impact our wellness. The project was evaluated both by project participants and by the project advisory team. Participants claimed the enhanced theological and biblical framework they developed for understanding and valuing their own wholistic health as the most valuable result. Participants also reported positive benefits from the peer relationships acquired, the involvement of supportive laity, and the curriculum provided by the leader. The outcome suggests that the development and implementation of incubator groups can be a positive investment for annual conferences and for other bodies who care about the wellness of clergy.

Celebrating the Graying Church

Celebrating the Graying Church PDF Author: Richard P. Olson
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1538139685
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 213

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Book Description
Today, many churches and their related agencies and ministries are shrinking. Often a large portion of those who remain are older adults. Celebrating the Graying Church suggests that this is an opportunity for a new and different kind of ministry—a ministry to, with, and from older adults who may have wisdom to pass on to the legacy of the future generations. This book offers opportunities, ideas, and guidance for this new vision and practice of ministry, while also describing how aging adults in ministry can support each other and their faith communities.

How Are You "Being"?

How Are You Author: Frederick J. Streets
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781666778106
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
COVID-19 forced clergy to attend to the needs of their congregations in new ways. But it also encouraged them to look again at how they attended to their own needs. Self-awareness and self-care are often imperative for clergy well-being, which in turn affects the well-being of their congregations. During the pandemic, clergy gained new insight into how they were "being"--how they might access internal and external resources that allowed them to thrive not only as pastors but also beyond their professional role. This book is based on multifaceted surveys of clergy personal responses to the pandemic. It encourages readers to consider the importance of an ethic of clergy well-being. Its practical examples and self-care protocol for clergy are intended to foster discussion within individual contexts. This is an important read for clergy, lay leaders, denominational stewards, and seminary and divinity school students and faculty as they engage in discerning the future needs of leaders of the church.

Counseling and Mental Health in the Church: The Role of Pastors and the Ministry

Counseling and Mental Health in the Church: The Role of Pastors and the Ministry PDF Author: Kevin Van Lant
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781516528257
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 460

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Book Description
Featuring chapters written by mental health professionals who are also experienced Christian practitioners, Counseling and Mental Health in the Church: The Role of Pastors and the Ministry provides ministry leaders with a foundational understanding of common mental health issues, typical approaches to treatment, and sage advice for supporting those experiencing mental health concerns. Recognizing that parishioners may seek guidance from pastors or others within the church before seeking help from mental health specialists, this text equips ministry leaders with the critical knowledge and helpful resources they need to successfully support and advise members of their congregation, or to direct them to additional useful resources. Individual chapters address specific concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, addiction, spectrum disorders, and more. Each chapter explores how a particular condition may manifest, how best to respond to it, potential treatment options, and resources to provide to affected individuals. Additional chapters distill the complex world of psychopharmacology as well as a focus on pastoral health in the face of responding to the demands of ministry. Containing real world examples and case studies to bridge the gap between knowledge and application, Counseling and Mental Health in the Church is an ideal resource for pre-service and seasoned ministry leaders alike. As a result, readers will find that they are better informed and better equipped to face day-to-day challenges. Kevin Van Lant received his Ph.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. He is director of the Pastoral Care and Counseling program and an associate professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Dr. Van Lant is a licensed clinical psychologist and maintains a private practice at the Center for Individual and Family Therapy. Robyn Bettenhausen received her Psy.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. She is a licensed psychologist and practices at the Center for Individual and Family Therapy. Dr. Bettenhausen has over 30 years of experience in the profession with expertise in severe relational issues, trauma and attachment problems, and internal disintegration. She is the author of The Relational Brain.

Leading Congregational Change

Leading Congregational Change PDF Author: Jim Herrington
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 1506463320
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
Bold transformation is needed in many of the congregations that cover the American landscape, argue Jim Herrington, Mike Bonem, and James H. Furr, authors of Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey. Drawing on their more than one hundred years of combined experience in a wide variety of church-related positions and a deep commitment to the biblical role of the local church, the authors present practical and concrete principles and concepts applicable across a broad spectrum of congregations. Leading Congregational Change presents a simple, memorable, and transferable framework along with principles of congregational transformation--such as God's call for transformation, the central role of spiritual vitality, the sequential nature of effective change, and the learning disciplines. Illustrations and action items offer adaptable suggestions and starting points for discussion. Leading Congregational Change is designed primarily for pastors and other congregational leaders who sense that things are not "just fine" in their churches and realize that deep change is needed. Judicatory staff and church consultants will also find the model for congregational transformation helpful. Individual ministries within a congregation, new congregations, and parachurch organizations can also use it to facilitate their own transformation. A church will grow when it understands and is genuinely committed to demonstrating and sharing the gospel in relevant ways. Growth will be manifested in the deeper commitment of its members. And more people in the community will hear God's call and become faithful disciples of Christ. Leading Congregational Change is a wise and faithful guide for the journey toward such transformation.

Empowering Pathways

Empowering Pathways PDF Author: Barbara Smith Harrison
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1512799203
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
Empowering Pathways is a unique guidebook that outlines a holistic faith based approach to congregational health and wellness. The book provides interventional strategies, helpful tools, and techniques that are designed to assist Christian churches with practical methods to establish or transform a congregational health and wellness ministry. A ten step process for establishing a ministry, the composition and characteristics of the wellness team, and the strategic planning process is presented with graphic illustrations and examples. Other relevant health data on many chronic diseases is provided in an easy to follow format. Detailed guidelines on acquiring knowledge of health-care support services that are designed to prevent, detect, and treat illness are included. Also, the book is a useful personal health reference guide for parishioner and their families in pursuing advocacy, empowerment, and support for one another. Strategies and methods to take control of your health while making appropriate lifestyle changes are discussed. The book discusses the importance of preparing for health care visits and the advantages of forming a partnership with your health-care. Other practical information to optimize your health experience is outlined. Empowering Pathways emphasizes that preserving our health and faith are high priorities. As Christians, we often concentrate on our spiritual needs and neglect the condition of our mind and body. It is important to acknowledge Gods concern for the whole being of the Christian. God desires us to be strong in mind, body, and spirit; therefore, protecting and preserving our health and well-being is an act of appreciation to Him. The Christian church plays a significant role in connection our faith, health, and engagement. This book is a helpful and concise reference guidebook that will inspire and encourage Christians individually and collectively. The author has used her knowledge of congregational health and wellness and other ministry responses to reflect on the love Jesus demonstrated in His ministry of healing.