Across American Christianity, there is a shortage of clergy, and this is exacerbated by financial struggles, housing issues, and the emotional toll of being a pastor. In this episode, Carol Howard joins the show to talk about challenges and trends in clergy health. She also explored the impact of these trends on younger clergy and the need for the church to invest in clergy support. Howard also shares from her book Wounded Pastors, which explores the concept of Family Systems Theory and its application in helping pastors and clergy navigate challenges and dynamics within their congregations. The conversation also touches on the topics of forgiveness, rewriting personal stories, and the potential for post-traumatic growth in the church.
Rev. Carol Howard (@CarolHoward) is the award-winning author of several books, including Wounded Pastors: Navigating Burnout, Finding Healing and Discerning the Future of your Ministry (Westminster John Knox) and Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God after Experiencing a Hurtful Church (HarperOne). Carol is a frequent contributor to books, websites, magazines, and journals. She was a regular columnist at the Christian Century where her blog was hosted. She’s a Presbyterian (USA) minister in a village church outside of New York City.
Presenting Sponsor:
Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.
Supporting Sponsors:
I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian'
Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.
Future Christian Team:
Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer
Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host
Paul Romig–Leavitt – Executive Producer
Danny Burton - Producer
Dennis Sanders – Producer
Nikki Frontz and innovative ministry
Ally Henny and messy church
Nancy Pittman and the future of theological education
Eric Law and Living Grace and Truth in a Frightened World
Carol Howard Merritt and Healing Spiritual Wounds
Ashley Easter and learning to trust your intuition
Paul Romig-Leavitt, Justin Bullis, and worship in a progressive Christian context.
Diana Butler Bass and letting the past be our guide to the future
Delesslyn Kennebrew and living beyond your imagination
Doug Pagitt and Outdoing Jesus
Jack Shitama leading in the midst of anxiety
Amanda Henderson and Holy Chaos
Eric Smith and Paul, the progressive?
Katie Hays and spiritual refugees
Eric Atcheson and living out God’s Kingdom
Brandan Robertson and traveling light
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