The Role of Coaching for Clergy Well-Being
Last week, I attended the Common Table Global Gathering, which focused on clergy and congregational well-being. One powerful theme stood out: the role of coaching in supporting clergy through the unique challenges of ministry.
Dr. Thema Bryant, author of Homecoming: Overcoming Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Whole Self, reminded us, “You are not just a vehicle for other people’s wholeness. God desires for you to be whole, too.” In a profession often marked by isolation and burnout, coaching provides a space for self-awareness, healing, and growth. It helps clergy bridge the gap between what they know and how they lead, empowering them to approach ministry with renewed clarity and purpose.
Coaching is well-established in business and leadership contexts but is relatively new as a support resource for ministry professionals. At its core, coaching is about helping people move from where they are to where they want to be. For clergy, this can mean bringing the knowledge/praxis gap. Clergy are often left wondering how their theological education prepared them for ministry. Coaching can provide the structure and support for turning ideas into actionable steps, making ministry not only more effective but more meaningful.
Research affirms the value of coaching for clergy well-being. Studies have shown that coaching supports:
Self-Awareness: Helping clergy understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique calling.
Conflict Resolution: Equipping leaders to navigate challenging dynamics with grace.
Leadership Effectiveness: Embracing decision-making and organizational skills.
Resilience: Discovering and putting to use tools to recover from setbacks and prevent burnout.
There is still a lot of great research that is ongoing about the impact of clergy coaching, but the data points to coaching as an avenue for engaging in ministry with integrity, curiosity, and agency. The Common Table Global Gathering highlighted the importance of trauma-informed approaches, yet many church systems still operate in ways that unintentionally perpetuate harm, A coaching mindset - rooted in curiosity, compassion, support, and empowerment - can help shift the culture.
Dr Bryant reminded us that ministry should not come at the expense of one’s wholeness. Clergy are not simply servants for others’ well-being; they are beloved children of God, called to live whole and healthy lives. A couple of questions I’m pondering are: How can local churches integrate a coaching mindset of curiosity and thoughtful action? What steps should be taken so that ministry leaders have access to well-being resources?
I would love to hear from you! What do you think?
