For many of us, the words Clergy and Self-Care are incongruous, a paradox, impossible and yet critical. In August 2022, the PC(USA) published an article titled, Rest is Resistance.1 The following is an excerpt:
“After earning a PhD and teaching for a few years, Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes decided to enroll in seminary, where her eyes were opened in an unexpected and unpleasant way. “I was astounded by ways the professors expected us to essentially not sleep,” she said during the first of three keynote addresses she was delivering for the NEXT Church National Gathering. “They piled on so much work. If we complained, they said, ‘This is what ministry is all about.’ … If we said we had no time for personal prayer or Bible study, they would look at us as if we were not faithful enough to get everything done. Apparently ‘faithful’ means ‘not sleeping.’”
The cause of clergy overworking, burnout, attrition, may have begun in seminary or childhood, but in either case, I encourage you to read the entire piece. Walker-Barnes concludes with:
“I hope you will think about your own need to rest, your barriers to rest and ways you can reclaim rest as an act of resistance,” Walker-Barnes told the NEXT Church crowd. “If you do that, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for all of Creation.”
Self-care, self-love is not selfish! Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
The Presbytery Post will be publishing continuing articles/resources from me and other members of Presbytery addressing the topic of Clergy Self-Care.
If you have questions, are in need of prayer or resources to care for yourself as you serve others, please contact me-
Rev Laura Mitchell, Chaplain for Albany Presbytery
518-744-5644 Email
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[1] https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/rest-resistance
