Caring for Clergy: Understanding a Disconnected Network of Providers
Ebook
Like Aaron and Hur who lifted the arms of Moses during battle (Exodus 17), this book highlights the critical work of clergy care providers in America. These individuals and organizations support clergy by providing counseling, coaching, spiritual direction, funding, hospitality, education, and benefits upon which clergy rely. Their ministry strengthens congregations and has the capability to produce an exponential return for the kingdom of God. Yet, these providers are often disconnected. Our groundbreaking national research reveals gaps in the training, qualifications, and formational experiences of clergy care providers. We note differences in language that hinder effective communication as well as significant disparities in the literature that informs clergy care. Addressing these disconnects has the potential to improve the lives of clergy and the congregations and communities clergy serve. Whether you are a clergy care provider, a clergyperson, or a lay leader, we invite you to respond. Working together, we envision a connected network of providers offering more effective support for clergy and improving the congregations and communities they serve.
“We have needed this book for a long time! Austin and Comeau have provided a much-needed rallying cry for those of us who work to support and care for clergy. Even more importantly, they offer an excellent road map that can help us achieve the kind of unified effort this book advocates for. I am eager to join their effort.”
—Matt Bloom, University of Notre Dame
“Founded upon the sound use of previous research into the topic of clergy self-care, this book goes on to offer not only recently obtained information, but more importantly, an examination of novel avenues for further investigation. Austin and Comeau add new and exciting areas for discussion and investigation that hold possibilities for the real and lasting improvement in the lives of the diverse body of Christian clergy.”
—Melinda Contreras-Byrd, licensed psychologist, AME Church pastor
“Seismic changes are reshaping congregational life in America, leaving clergy anxious and vulnerable. In this timely and well-researched book, Austin and Comeau assess the quality of care offered by clergy service providers. Their findings are illuminating and sobering. This book is a wake-up call for the church to make clergy care a priority; for the sake of congregational life as well as the integrity of the Christian faith.”
—William Enright, founding director emeritus, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving
“Caring for Clergy is essential reading for all those who seek to contribute to creating the
conditions for thriving pastoral ministry. This comprehensive look at programing from across the country sheds light on what is effective, what should be avoided, and how best to support the people that support an entire worshiping community. Austin and Comeau have gifted judicatories, divinity schools, and foundations with a wonderful resource for clergy formation.”
—Robb Webb, director of Rural Church, The Duke Endowment
- Title: Caring for Clergy: Understanding a Disconnected Network of Providers
- Authors: Thad S. Austin, Katie R. Comeau, Christopher J. Adams
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666741551, 9781666741537, 9781666741544, 1666741558, 1666741531, 166674154X
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666741551
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-01-25T18:59:31Z
Thad S. Austin serves as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Congregational Engagement at Duke Divinity’s Ormond Center. He is an ordained clergyperson with more than a decade of pastoral experience.
Katie R. Comeau is a Research Associate at Duke Divinity’s Ormond Center.