In a recent blog about the dangers of presenteeism, I reflected that a distinctive feature of clergy life is that they often work alone. But even as I wrote it, I hesitated. Clergy ‘often work alone’ captures something real about deployment – but not the whole truth. There’s more to unpack.
Yes, many clergy lack immediate ordained colleagues. But that doesn’t mean they’re without companions. The oldest office in the land is that of the Church Warden – an ancient role of lay leadership and support. Yet, as many clergy and lay people will tell you, this isn’t always experienced as a collegial relationship. And that matters. Because collegiality isn’t a luxury – it’s a foundation for wellbeing.
The findings of the Clergy Experiences of Ministry Project made this clear: positive collegial relationships are not just helpful – they’re vital.
I’m blessed with colleagues who challenge me. Who ask why I’m emailing at midnight (I wasn’t – the computer was being “helpful” – but still, it was good to be asked). Who challenge me to think more deeply. After writing about Grit, I received a link from another colleague to a video of Sister Mary Grace, SV reflecting on the topic of self-reliance:
“You and I were not meant to do anything on our own. In fact, where we feel limited, where we feel we need help – this is a place for an encounter. This is a place where we thrive: when we depend, when we welcome each other, when we’re willing to let each other help.”
Working alone is not the same as being self-reliant. Theologically, this is the heart of poverty – not as lack, but as invitation. A place where we encounter God and one another. A place where we stop pretending we’ve got it all together and start letting love in.
At St Luke’s, we believe this matters. We believe that clergy wellbeing is not a solo project. It’s a shared calling. And we need your help.
How You Can Help
Clergy
You are not alone. Your experience helps us shape a healthier Church and build a future where clergy wellbeing is understood, supported, and sustained.
Funders
We’re delivering insight that changes systems. Your support enables us to turn lived experience into learning, and learning into influence.
Dioceses
We’re your partner in building sustainable ministry. Our insights from restorative and preventative work can help shape your strategy and support your clergy.
Friends
Clergy care for our communities. We care for them. Support our work to ensure those who lead in faith are not left behind.
We were never meant to do this alone. Not in ministry. Not in life. The God we follow is not transactional where his love is dependent on what we do, but relational, love just because we are. To reflect that God is to live in relationship too. To depend. To ask for help. To offer it. To be better together.
Let’s build that future – together.