Clergy Health and Wellbeing - Duke University & the Lilly Endowment

From November 2005 through June of 2006 Criterion convened a series of conversations focused on the theology of health and wellness, and integrative models for bolstering clergy wellbeing with the help of Duke University and The Lilly Endowment.

We aimed to accomplish 4 main goals through the process:

1. Map out a frame (conceptual template) for the well-lived pastoral life that is broad, robust, and adaptable enough for use in many ministry contexts.  We will articulate, test, and refine this frame with a number of working models and with the critical input of a number of theologians and other strategic thinkers.
2. Compile a set of integrative models (operationalized for a given context and/or theological tradition) that can serve as reflective tools for other leaders and teams working on the question of clergy health in denominations, in local settings, or in other loose alliances.
3. An identified (and potentially engaged) set of 50-75 of “free ions” who care about the question of the health and well-being of clergy and who, if called upon, would share intellectual and social capital.
4. Impact on 7-10 teams who are already working on questions of clergy health (from several different vantage points). They will have higher clarity on vision and a stronger framework for driving implementation.

Criterion’s work with clergy health has continued to develop in the years since our work with Duke University and the Lilly Endowment, most recently developing into an exciting project, the Life of Leaders.  For more information on that project, click here.