Friends,

When our team was reflecting on all the stories we have heard over the years from the first Total Clergy Wellbeing cohort, we knew you needed to hear why your colleagues believe you should take this program too.

Total Clergy Wellbeing was a balance of collegial connections (perhaps even more important now that we don't see each other regularly in Presbytery meetings) and excellent, thought-provoking speakers. Recently a colleague enjoying a Sabbatical remarked, "After/during COVID, we all need a Sabbatical.”  While that may not be possible, I suspect we all need soul-tending and opportunities for renewal and replenishment. Total Clergy Well-Being offers just that. The role of the accompanier was a gift, as the person was a trusted colleague and insightful friend who I don't see often enough, facilitating a bit of a breakthrough for me. Looking back, several years later, the most important part of the Total Clergy Wellbeing experience was the balance of substantial program and spacious time with opportunities for individual reflection and collegial connection throughout.

Rev. Dan Chambers

One part of the experience which had lasting positive impact on my ministry and wellbeing was “The care that was taken to provide us with all that we needed and pampered. It reminded us that what we do is noticed and appreciated. The 365 evaluation of who we are and areas for growth was helpful, both in ways that were affirming and challenging.  They are always in the back of my mind. As ones who spend most of our time focusing on others, this program provides a rare opportunity to focus on ourselves; to take time to listen, reflect, relax, and grow as individuals. Because the accompanier was my life partner, it was incredibly helpful that we both experienced this program together. It provided us with insights into who we are as individuals, as a couple and as a clergy couple. Looking back the most important part of the Total Clergy Wellbeing experience was the sense of being cared for by the larger church.

Rev. Ivy Thomas

I started doing yoga at this event in 2016 and I am still doing it all these years later. One of my goals was to increase my physical fitness and to do that intentionally, and the presence of my partner and the supportive structure of the event, really helped me to achieve that goal and stick with it. The biggest things for me regarding this course were: 1. It felt like the LeaderShift team cared about my wellbeing and that the actual institutional church "had my back" which was big in 2015, but is even more meaningful now, "after" the pandemic has changed our lives significantly. 2. Anything that deepens self-awareness and emotional intelligence is going to increase the odds that clergy can function in a healthy way in our ministry contexts. I was really grateful to my partner that he accompanied me. That we could share the experience of this course meant a lot to me. We have had conversations post-event, about his experience, and that has contributed to his growth and self-awareness as well as my own. I see the event as another in a series of "integrating" events that I have engaged in, often thanks to LeaderShift and its excellent offerings. To the extent that I have been open to deepen in awareness, skill and even "content" or "theory" at Total Clergy Wellbeing or similar type of event, I have become a better leader and a more mature human being.

Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes

There is still time apply to participate in this unique program! Love what is thriving, tend to what is weary, and define ways to support both. There is truly nothing more important right now; please join us. Take this step: Total Clergy Wellbeing.

I’m available to help you get the information you need, to empower your participation - you’re warmly invited to connect with me - by email or the Expression of Interest form on the Total Clergy Wellbeing page (or a call - I have limited hours but do return voice mails).

If you hope to attend this October, 2022, I need to hear from you very soon. Though more than a month away, the fullness of this retreat requires some advance preparation from you, for the facilitators.

Blessings,

Allison

LeaderSHIFT Director