‘Consult with the clergy, but not too much.’ These were some of the first words spoken to me when I started working for the Church of England. Twenty years later, after listening to thousands of clergy through the Experiences of Ministry survey and other projects, I’ve come to recognise a curious truth: we don’t always know what’s good for us. I include myself in that reflection. I learned this, of course, by consulting with clergy. Perhaps that was the wisdom behind that initial counsel?
Nonetheless, my deepest hope in joining St Luke’s is that I’ll never tire of consulting with clergy.
Clergy are remarkable people, and their insights offer not just lessons in leadership but profound reflections on the nature of human flourishing.
Wellbeing is not merely about operational maintenance or efficiency – it is about grace-filled flourishing, a way of living that sustains both the individual and the community.
At St Luke’s, our work is not simply about restoring the broken but about resourcing resilience through investment in prevention.
In partnership with others, we are committed to strengthening the foundations that sustain clergy wellbeing, ensuring that proactive support is embedded in the very fabric of ministry. Through our collective learning, we deepen our understanding of what enables thriving, equipping us to advocate for systemic change that truly makes a difference. I am energised by the opportunity to shape these conversations, listen to experiences, and contribute to a future where clergy are not just supported but empowered to flourish.
Tim has held senior leadership roles within Church Army and the Archbishops’ Council, including as the latter’s Head of Ministry Development, where, through collaborations with King’s College London, he helped to raise the profile of clergy wellbeing in the national discourse.
Tim holds a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies and postgraduate qualifications in management, charity accounting, and adult learning. He has written widely on ministerial wellbeing, leadership development, and theological education, with works including Effective Ministerial Presence and what it looks like in practice: Insights from the Experiences of Ministry Project 2011–17, Developing Faithful Ministers, and Moving on in Ministry. His research contributions extend across policy reports, practitioner insights, and theological publications, informing evidence-based approaches to vocational sustainability.