Four Foundations for Clergy Wellbeing
Four things do most to sustain clergy in ministry: connection, a nourished spiritual life, rest, and feeling valued. This page draws on the Church of England’s ten-year Living Ministry study and wider research. It is offered as an invitation, not a checklist: take what is life-giving for you, in your own tradition and context.
1. Connection rather than isolation
Isolation is the clearest warning sign: 40% of clergy in Living Ministry felt isolated in their ministry. Trusted relationships with peers, friends and family protect wellbeing more than anything else.
- Meet regularly with a small group of clergy you trust, this is why we are so passionate about our Cairns initiative.
- Keep at least one friendship where you are not ‘the vicar’.
- Take particular care in transitions, such as a move or a first incumbency.
2. A sustained spiritual life
Only 38% of clergy in the national surveys felt they spent enough time in prayer. Ministry flourishes when clergy are drawing from their faith, not only giving it out.
- Find a spiritual director who suits your trials and temperament.
- Protect time for retreat or quiet days each year.
- Shape a simple rule of life that is realistic for this season.
3. Rest and sustainable boundaries
Demands on clergy are at their highest since Living Ministry began, and under-40s report the most burnout. In the national figures only seven in ten clergy took a full day off each week; regular rest is a gift worth guarding.
- Keep a weekly day off and take your full annual leave.
- Plan study leave and sabbatical well ahead.
- Talk honestly with your PCC and churchwardens about what is realistic, especially across several parishes.
4. Feeling valued, trusted and secure
Clergy thrive when they feel valued and know their ministry bears fruit. Professor Leslie Francis's research shows that satisfaction in ministry offsets exhaustion, while 42% of clergy report anxiety about money.
- Notice and name where God is at work in your ministry, however small.
- Use Ministerial Development Review to talk about wellbeing, as well as development.
- If finances are a worry, ask early: help is available and it is confidential.
Where to find support
The diocese seeks to encourage, support and equip. We are here to listen and to help you find what you need.
- The Lead for Revive: the Rev Neil Smart, neil.smart@portsmouth.anglican.org
- Spiritual direction: email to Spiritual.Direction@portsmouth.anglican.org
- Confidential listening or counselling – use the HealthAssured Wisdom app
- Financial help and wellbeing grants: