Supporting Those Who Shepherd Our Communities

The Unique Role

Pastoral leadership carries unique spiritual, emotional, and physical demands.

5 Leadership Challenges in Ministry Marketplace Leaders May Not Understand: https://ronedmondson.com/2026/10/leadership-challenges-ministry.html

A contemplative faith leader sitting quietly in an oak-lined North American / US pastoral study, warm natural morning light streaming through tall windows onto a wooden desk with open books, soft sage green and deep slate green tones, compassionate and restorative atmosphere, high-resolution documentary photography.
A contemplative faith leader sitting quietly in an oak-lined North American / US pastoral study, warm natural morning light streaming through tall windows onto a wooden desk with open books, soft sage green and deep slate green tones, compassionate and restorative atmosphere, high-resolution documentary photography.

Overcoming Obstacles

Although there are many tools available to promote clergy health, they are not utilized due to:

- lack of knowledge of their availability

- stigma associated with mental health

- pride and ego

- time and convenience issues

- financial costs

- prioritizing personal health

- delegation and pulpit supply

A tranquil, sunlit stone pathway meandering through mature pine trees at a quiet retreat sanctuary in the North American / US countryside, conveying peace and privacy, dappled afternoon light, muted sage green foliage and deep pine shadows, dignified and restorative fine art photography.
A tranquil, sunlit stone pathway meandering through mature pine trees at a quiet retreat sanctuary in the North American / US countryside, conveying peace and privacy, dappled afternoon light, muted sage green foliage and deep pine shadows, dignified and restorative fine art photography.

Support Your Pastor

There are many resources available for keeping your shepherd strong.

An intimate, quiet counseling room in a peaceful North American / US setting with two comfortable upholstered armchairs, soft linen drapery, indoor fiddle-leaf fig plants, warm ambient lighting, muted sage green accents, fostering safety, renewal, and confidentiality.
An intimate, quiet counseling room in a peaceful North American / US setting with two comfortable upholstered armchairs, soft linen drapery, indoor fiddle-leaf fig plants, warm ambient lighting, muted sage green accents, fostering safety, renewal, and confidentiality.

How the church can help prevent burnout: https://clergyhealth.duke.edu/sites/default/files/Bear-One-Another-s-Burdens-accessible-FINAL.pdf

18 ways to help lighten load of clergy: https://clergyhealth.duke.edu/blog-post/what-every-congregational-leader-needs-know-about-clergy-stress-and-18-easy-ways-lighten/

Guide to support pastor well: https://clergyhealth.duke.edu/sites/default/files/Loved%20and%20Cared%20For%20Guide%20.pdf

Caring for your pastor: https://www.cornerstone.edu/about/publications/resilience-curriculum/caring-for-your-pastor/

50 ways to support your Pastor’s well-being: https://www.wespath.org/wp-content/uploads/4775.pdf

Guide for supporting clergy: https://clergyhealth.duke.edu/sites/default/files/Bear-One-Another-s-Burdens-accessible-FINAL.pdf

Model for Healthy Living for Clergy: https://churchhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Model-for-Healthy-Living-for-Clergy-Digital-Download.pdf

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

- Jesus in Matthew 11:18