Clergy Support

The Louisiana Conference is fully aware that demands on your time and energy are unprecedented.  Whether you are in a disaster zone, grappling with the effects of COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn or political and racial unrest in your congregations, the need for a unique and extended sabbath is real.  

The Office of Clergy Excellence has been hard at work developing tools and resources for you. An emphasis on holistic health is part of the Wesleyan tradition.

To do this, we must tend to our physical, mental, and spiritual selves sometimes referred to as our' holistic health'.  

"We have expended so much energy and effort learning how to care for our congregations in the midst of this pandemic, that we have often forgotten to care for ourselves," says Rev. Jessica Lowe. "Therefore, we have compiled various resources to help our clergy do just that - care for themselves. Whether that means utilizing a colleague's pre-recorded sermon so that you can go away for a weekend, setting up an appointment with a therapist or spiritual director, or applying for a sabbath/self-care grant in order to rest and recharge your soul. Caring for ourselves enables us to better care for others, and sustains us for the journey ahead."

Listen below to a Louisiana NOW podcast featuring Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, Director of the Clergy Excellence. Stinson discusses the Clergy Support initiative and its importance. 

Browse Resources for Clergy Support 

"Taking a Break"

We encourage you to read this article from Mark Dance. 

In it, he says this: 

"Driven pastors often convince ourselves that we cannot afford to take a break. Yet wouldn't you agree that, as important as we think we are, we are not more important than the world-changing Messiah? Storms will come and go, but God's gift of Sabbath is all the permission we need to rest, even when all of our work is still unfinished."

Easily said, right? 

We get it. 

There's a lot going on today. From broken webcams to downed WiFi - decreased giving and a decrease in attendance. Deep down, you know how necessary Sabbath is for vital ministry, but you just can't find the right resource to free up the necessary time. 

We've heard you, and we are here to help. Below you will find a variety of resources, all designed to help you pastor and thrive in the midst of the pressures of today's post-pandemic world. 

Sermons Available for Use
 

Spiritual Direction

Illness Due to COVID

Ideas? Suggestions?