Autumn 2025 Newsletter - St Luke's for Clergy Wellbeing

Dear Friends and Supporters

We are delighted to be sharing with you our latest news and events.

At the start of the summer we said goodbye to our Chief Executive Dr Claire Walker and welcomed Dr Tim Ling.

Our mission is to be the Church’s independent, evidence-based wellbeing advocate – building communities of practice whilst caring for those broken in ministry; investing in clergy wellbeing isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for sustainable ministry.

Clergy wellbeing is not a solo project. It’s a shared calling. And we need your help, to be alongside individuals, groups and charities advocating for the same issues as ourselves. Read more below to find out about our advocacy work and our fundraising ideas, ensuring that by working together we will achieve our aim:

Flourishing Clergy → Healthy Church → Transformed Communities.

In this issue we will focus on:

A message from our new Chief Executive Dr Tim Ling

CEO Update: Lots to Learn and Lots to Do

“Lots to learn and lots to do.”
That’s still my answer when asked how things are going in my new role.
After two decades in ministry development, research, and organisational change, I’ve arrived at St Luke’s with a deep sense of calling and a clear awareness of how much I still need to learn. New people, processes, contexts – and a new scale of challenge.

A Changing Landscape
The context of ministry has profoundly shifted. Cultural expectations, available resources, and the emotional and ecclesial landscape clergy navigate have all changed. Yet what remains constant is the deep vocation of service that marks those in ministry. That continuity is both humbling and hopeful.

St Luke’s: Compassion and Care
St Luke’s has evolved significantly since 1892. While its focus has shifted, from physical care to psychological support, its heart remains the same: serving clergy and their families with compassion and care.

Compassion is our why—the deep empathy that moves us to act.
Care is our how—the practical, professional, and pastoral support we offer.

Why We Do What We Do
We are a small charity, but ambitious in our impact. Our work is shaped by a simple conviction: clergy wellbeing is not a solo project – it’s a shared calling.
We aim to turn lived experience into learning and learning into influence.

Lived experience means walking alongside clergy in both struggle and strength – offering support in moments of real need and drawing insight from flourishing ministry as well as from crisis.
Learning means reflecting on those experiences (and wider research) to care better, build resilience, and prevent harm.
Influence means sharing that learning to effect systemic change – embedding clergy wellbeing in the Church’s culture and structures.

That’s why we build collaborative communities of practice, bringing together clergy, diocesan leaders, clinicians, researchers, and supporters to foster shared learning and a culture of care.

Looking Ahead
Our national conference this autumn is a vivid example of how St Luke’s convenes. It will bring together voices from across the Church and beyond to explore trauma, resilience, and the future of clergy wellbeing.
It’s also why I suspect that in a year’s time, if you ask me how it’s going, you’ll get the same answer: lots to learn and lots to do! St Luke’s doesn’t wish to stand still.

Join the Conversation
I’ve started blogging regularly about clergy wellbeing and the work of St Luke’s – a space for honest reflection, shared insight, and practical wisdom. If you’d like to hear more subscribe here

I’d love for you to join the conversation.

Our large scale programmes

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller
Communities Chaplaincy
Support Project

Advancing Clergy Reflection Programme

Footsteps British Army Chaplaincy Programme

Winter Wellbeing Walks

My circadian rhythm adopts the brace position in the run-up to winter, preparing itself for darker days and longer nights. In the depths of winter, there are a whopping nine hours less daylight than the height of summer. The urge to hibernate feels Herculean.

But if I can get beyond my knee-jerk reaction, I can find a heart-full response.

Walking in winter is a different experience; the low sun adds an air of mystery, a stiller, more timeless quality. Along with my body, my mind takes to wandering… I catch glimpses of landscapes unchanged for hundreds of years. The angle caught between the old church and the town hall and a stroll down a Royal Crescent, or looking across misty fields towards ancient woods. From the corner of my mind’s eye, I see those who walked centuries before and feel connected. Murmuration’s across the winter sky and bare trees showcasing their vulnerability, knowing this too shall pass. It’s all magical. And coming in from the cold, the well-earned, satisfying hot drink and cake. What is not to love?

I’m certain I’m not alone in these thoughts. Along with the magic, getting outside and staying active is so beneficial in the winter months.

St Luke’s, with support from the National Lottery Community Fund, is encouraging communities to get outside for walks this winter, with walkers making a small donation to St Luke’s for Clergy Wellbeing.

It could be a gentle jaunt across the fields, a walk in the woods, or an architectural stroll around your local town and parks. All creating new memories

and connections.

We can help you plan your community walk and the National Lottery will fund refreshments – get in touch to find out more.

Get Involved

Along with our winter walks we have some other supportive initiatives that we hope you will be interested in.

St Luke’s Feast Day – Celebrate with us

Ahead of our namesake Feast Day on October 18th, we are asking churches if they would offer support to St Luke’s for Clergy Wellbeing, via prayer, communications or through donating your collection on Sunday 19^th October. Please visit our website to find out more.

Send digital cards and donate to St Luke’s

So, we are possibly (!) ahead of the curve here but just a reminder we have created digital Christmas cards that you can send to your loved ones and donate the cost of the card and stamp to St Luke’s. We will be creating new cards for Christmas 2025 but previous cards will still be available. Visit https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/st-lukes-healthcare-for-clergy to find out more.

We will be creating new cards for Christmas 2025 but previous cards will still be available. Please visit https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/st-lukes-healthcare-for-clergy/christmas-2 for more information

Keep an eye on our social media accounts for updates about the above.

Our website contains lots of information to help you, or someone you may know, through difficult times http://www.stlukesforclergy.org.uk

And finally, if you have been a beneficiary of our services in the past either as an individual or taking part in a workshop we would love to hear from you. We use quotes and case studies to highlight the importance of our work when speaking to donors.

Dear Friends and Supporters

In this issue we will focus on:

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