One of the levers of change in the Diocese of Ely's strategy is to 'develop healthy churches and leaders'. It includes the aim to refresh leadership, so that both clergy and laity feel energised, empowered and liberated to grow in their ministry. The flourishing of the clergy is key to the flourishing of the church.
Clergy wellbeing encompasses all that promotes the health and wholeness of the clergy of the Diocese. Clergy wellbeing is of concern for the whole church and the responsibility for the promotion of wellbeing lies with:
- the diocese, in offering personal support and development of skills necessary for the changing role of those who are ordained and in defining manageable roles for clergy
- the clergy, as they take responsibility for their own wellbeing and are mindful of the wellbeing of their colleagues
- congregations, as they are encouraged to recognise their impact on the wellbeing of their clergy.
"It is hugely important that we take care of our own wellbeing, and that of our colleagues. It is not selfish to take proper time off and retreat time, or to challenge unreasonable and unrealistic expectations, and it will better equip us for the ministry to which we are called." [Bishop Stephen's Letter to Clergy, Epiphany 2018]
Diocesan provision
Diocesan provision includes:
- Wellbeing Contacts for Clergy (click here to view them)
- the development of the Ministerial Development Review process to include a particular focus on your wellbeing
- the availability of coaching
- training in Resilience in Conflict
- an introduction to Mindfulness
- a series on ' How to Survive and Thrive as a Minister'
- the provision and training of mentors for new incumbents.
- Please email the Mission and Minsitry team here to find out more.
Further Resources and Support
Quick links
Wellbeing Contacts for Clergy (click here)
- A page providing a range of contact support covering matters such as confidential counselling, financial support, Retreat options and options for seeking a spiritual companion.
Resources for Spiritual Refreshment (click here)
- A page giving guidance on finding resources for Spiritual Refreshment, including going on retreat, seeking a spiritual companion and how to contact the Diocesan Spirituality Advisor.
With joy and not sighing (click here)
- "With joy and not sighing" invites clergy and congregations to think together about what joyful, flourishing ministry looks like, so that together we can be best equipped to grow into healthy churches which serve our communities for the sake of God's Kingdom.
Tips for your own self-care (click here)
- There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenge of maintaining clergy wellbeing. Each individual has their own personality, their own particular context and their own set of needs. These needs change as life and work circumstances alter. However, for each of us there are areas of life that help or hinder our sense of wellbeing.
Clergy wellbeing during Coronavirus (click here)
- This page is offered to give some reminders about the principles of wellbeing for clergy.
Clergy Wellbeing Survey 2019 (click here)
- Results of the 2019 Ely Clergy Wellbeing Survey. This report is part of the continuing work on clergy wellbeing in the Diocese of Ely over the past 5 years (2014-2019).
Wellbeing Contacts for Clergy (click here)
- This page offers clergy contact points to support their wellbeing and mental health, including links to retreat centres, confidential counselling and spiritual companionship.
