Clergy Care
Care Resources for our Pastors & their Families
Pastoral ministry can be uniquely challenging and create long-term stressors for our pastors and their families. We are committed to walking with you whether you are experiencing symptoms of burnout, a personal crisis, or seeking preventative practices.
Core Values
Dedicated to creating a culture of clergy wellbeing.
Committed to God-honoring stewardship of body, mind & spirit.
Providing restorative and preventative resources.
Culture of Care
Restorative Resources
Preventative Resources
Proactively pursuing personal wellbeing to flourish in ministry.
Take the Flourishing in Ministry Assessment
A district wide assessment for all clergy to complete from October 7-22, 2025. You will receive a special code and link so that all results are compiled. Follow up recommendations and activities to be shared at District Ministerial in January 2026.
Access Coaching, Mentoring, & Spiritual Direction
- Coaching – empowers individuals or groups to enhance their wellbeing by helping them better understand themselves, improve their skills, achieve goals, and overcome challenges. Through guidance, support, and feedback, it encourages self-discovery, enabling them to find their own solutions and grow in a meaningful way.
- Mentoring – drawing from the wisdom and experience of a seasoned pastor/leader that they come alongside you and offer friendship/mentorship/wise counsel.
- Spiritual Direction – the ancient Christian practice of assisting people to listen for and attend to the leading and movement of God in one’s life. It involves “holy listening,” helping people to discern the voice and direction of God in their lives.
Educate church boards about their pastor’s wellbeing
Providing awareness and inspiration to local church boards in ways to support and encourage the wellbeing and care of the pastor.
Topics for consideration:
- Work-life balance
- Attending retreats
- Coaching for personal and professional growth
- Counselling for personal and professional challenges
- Sabbath keeping
- Planning for sabbaticals
- Continuing education
- Solo pastor realities
- Seeking spiritual direction
- Financial stressors/challenges/support
- Reinforce vacation and time off
Learn about the Starting Strong workshops (DBMD)
Essential foundations in the development and flourishing of those new to ministry:
- In the DBMD journey
- Under District appointment
- Licensed ministers
- Newly Ordained minister
Learn about the annual Well-being Checkup
All pastors are warmly encouraged to complete a year-end report sharing how they are cultivating their clergy wellbeing. The report will be distributed each spring with the results submitted to Made for More Ministries.
Restorative Resources
A pathway to healing and renewed hope when crises, unresolved issues or trauma is affecting current life and ministry.
The Clergy Care Advocate (CCA) offers a safe, confidential space for pastors to talk about any immediate needs or concerns. The CCA helps assess each situation and connects pastors with the most helpful resources. All conversations remain completely confidential.
Counselling Resources
The Atlantic District will provide for pastors (and immediate dependent family members) appointed to our local churches, up to three counselling/coaching sessions each, per year. These are confidential sessions invoiced to the District recorded in an anonymous way that names are not included.
Made for More Ministries – Coaching, counselling and retreats that encourage and empower Christian leaders. Take practical steps towards your well-being in life and ministry.
Better Things Inc. – Supports caregiving professionals who provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support for the people in our community. Located in Maine
Intensives
Coming away for an in-depth and focused experience of care for an individual or a couple.
Clergy Termination
Resources for pastors and their families due to the loss of a ministry position due to termination or firing.
Trusted Partners
Made for More Ministries
Coaching, counselling and retreats that encourage and empower Christian leaders. Take practical steps towards your well being in life and ministry.
info@madeformoreministries.ca
www.madeformoreministries.ca
Better Things Inc.
Supports caregiving professionals who provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support for the people in our community. Located in Maine
Easton, ME
info@betterthingsinc.org
(207) 769-3360
https://sites.google.com/betterthingsinc.org/www-betterthingsinc-org
Pastors Hope Network
Provides loving, comprehensive support for displaced or terminated pastors as they seek God’s healing and direction.
FAQs
Who are the clergy care resources for?
The clergy care resources are for all pastors and immediate dependent family members under District appointment.
How do I receive immediate help?
Request Help if you have a concern that needs more immediate attention. You will fill out an email and the Clergy Care Advocate will contact you.
When should I contact the Clergy Care Advocate?
Contact the Clergy Care Advocate if you or your family are experiencing a crisis, feeling confused about a situation, are not sure where to turn for help, or just need a confidential space to talk about an issue of concern. The Clergy Care Advocate will provide guidance to make sure you receive the best resources for your situation. Some examples include feeling emotionally exhausted, experiencing relational conflict, facing a loss of your ministry position, undue stress, etc.
Who views my Help Request? How confidential are my conversations with the Clergy Care Advocate?
The Clergy Care Advocate is the only one who views your Help Request email. The email address does not go to the District website, but only to the Clergy Care Advocate. All conversations and information are held in strict confidence.
What if I just want to learn more about being proactive in caring for my wellbeing?
If you would like more information on preventative resources to help your ongoing wellbeing, Get Started by contacting Made for More Ministries.