Over the past decade, clergy have reported a marked decline in their social well-being – in particular, 28% of clergy say they don’t feel understood by family and friends and 33% feel lonely and isolated at work. While the “loneliness epidemic” for the general population has been widely reported on over the past several years, clergy face unique challenges in cultivating social well-being.
One of clergy’s essential roles is to build a social connection for their community and congregation, but they often can’t participate in that connection themselves. Clergy need support from congregations and leadership so they can take meaningful time to build their own social networks and communities, connecting with others on their personal interests or with other clergy who understand.
Resources
Guidelines for Keeping Your Friendships Strong
50 Ways to Support Your Pastor - These tips from Wespath’s “50 Ways to Support Your Pastor” can help empower congregational leaders to positively influence clergy Social Well-Being.
- Understand that “social” events with church members (although fun for everyone) are not always truly social events for the pastor who can be pulled into the pastoral role at any time.
- Encourage the pastor’s participation in a clergy accountability/support group and allow him/her time during the work week to participate.
- Invite the pastor and his/her spouse/family to civic and community functions where he/she can meet others in the community.
- Avoid scheduling church meetings or activities requiring the pastor’s presence more than two nights a week.
Originally published by Wespath. Republished with permission by ResourceUMC.