Clergy Wellbeing Down Under

Join Dr. Chelsea Gill from Bond Business School as we explore the topic of reflective retreats. Chelsea, with her deep insights into clergy retreats, examines the role of attention restoration theory in counteracting mental and emotional exhaustion.

We discuss two core types of clergy retreats, educational and reflective, and their structures. Chelsea explains attentional fatigue common among clergy and offers solutions to restore mental energy. Our conversation dives into the elements making reflective retreats impactful, spotlighting social activities and professional development as essential for clergy wellbeing.

We also discuss crafting retreats for optimal rejuvenation and share practical tips for activities and taking breaks from technology and work. The emotional benefits of retreats are pivotal for clergy to effectively serve their communities. We conclude by addressing the rhythm and emotional aspects of retreats, emphasizing the need for support in processing emotions. Tune into this episode for valuable insights on enhancing clergy wellbeing through retreats so much so you will want to Advance and not Retreat.  To contact Chelsea: [email protected]

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

We are joined by Sam Sterland, Senior Researcher with the National Church Life Survey and we look at the latest findings from the NCLS and how it matches/sheds light on what our (much smaller!) survey found in the clergy wellbeing space.  What does church health have to do with clergy wellbeing? Have we made any progress in leadership sustainability, and what are the key insights we glean from both our findings.

Download my research report and reflections

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Keith and Sarah Condie of the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute join us to unpack the numbers from Valerie Ling's survey on rates of burnout and resignation thinking among our clergy.   

We talk about the often-hidden struggles of church leaders, the pressures they face and the need to have an unwavering façade. The conversation throws a spotlight on the how a lack of encouragement and care can have on ministers, fostering self-doubt and a sense of isolation.

We further look at the meaning of "reputation" in church leadership, characteristics of a compassionate church, and accommodating the unexpected.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

In this episode,  Vikki Napier, Head of Human Resources at the Anglican Church Diocese Of Sydney, reflects on her corporate HR experience and the church context.  What surprises her, what she thinks we are doing well, where we have a way to go, and where we can add value to our churches from a human and humane resourcing perspective.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

**EPISODE TRIGGER WARNING**
This episode contains some discussion about suicide, violence, and other potentially traumatic material. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help or, in Australia contact Lifeline 13 11 14.

Jo Muirhead is a Rehabilitation Counsellor and is the founder of Purple Co.   Purple Co facilitates workplace recovery by emphasizing the holistic integration of health, recovery, purpose and choice.

In this episode, Jo relates how there are vocational hazards in the helping and serving professions that are not always evident. She relays her experience in assessing and re-designing work roles in high stress, high pressure roles, to manage burnout and psychosocial risk.  Jo shares her work riding in ambulances observing and detailing what pressures are unseen, and how revealing one statement by an ambo "Don't take us out of the truck!" relates to wellbeing in ministry.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

 Imagine an environment where safety and well-being are prioritized, where trust and transparency are key, and conflicts are handled in a constructive manner. These are the ingredients of psychological safety. Psychological safety refers to a work environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks, expressing their thoughts, and making mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation.  Psychosocial hazards are broader and pertain to all aspects of work design, organisational structures, and social dynamics that can lead to psychological or physical harm. This could include things like excessive workload, lack of role clarity, workplace bullying, and poor organisational culture. 

They are separate and intertwined.   Katharine Moore, an expert in workplace safety and health, joins me on the podcast to unwrap this very topic, based on findings from my clergy well-being and leadership survey.

From my survey, the following experiences of offensive behaviour experienced by clergy over the past 12 months were reported:

·      Sexual harassment: 6%

·      Threats of and actual violence: 8%

·      Bullying: 31%

·      Unpleasant teasing: 27%

·      Conflicts and quarrels: 78%

·      Gossip and slander: 53%

Clergy burnout was found to be related to the level of offensive behaviours experienced by clergy. 

 
Through our discussion, we tackle the physical and psychological burdens of various job roles, the crucial role of job design and task rotation, and the complexities of budgets, governance, and compliance.


Katharine has built a strong reputation for her excellence in Safety and Injury Management.  She believes in engaging & empowering workers to build a proactive safety culture in the workplace which will lead to greater levels of overall compliance.

She works at a Senior Leadership level in a multi-national corporate where she influences business decisions  to create a workplace that is:

• Safe from physical and psychological harm
• Promotes whole-person wellbeing
• Fully accessible & inclusive
• Empowers team to meet their full potential

Our conversation delves  into the heart of church conflict and consider how a lack of transparency may foster an environment ripe for bullying. By exploring the difference between psychosocial and psychological safety, we illuminate how churches can work alongside partner practices to foster a secure environment where team members feel safe providing feedback.



Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

TRIGGER WARNING: Please note that this episode discusses trauma and sexual violence which some listeners may find distressing or emotionally challenging.  In Australia, If you require support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and/or 1800RESPECT.

One of the key findings in Valerie’s research was the levels of burnout and the personal violence experienced by women in ministry.  Her guest in today’s episode is Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit – ordained Baptist minister, Publishing Manager at the Australian College of Theology and co-host of the With All Due Respect podcast.  In this candid episode,  Megan offers an intimate perspective on the myriad of challenges and biases faced by women in the ministry.  Our conversation explores the systemic issues prevalent in the religious arena, with a critical focus on the alarming underbelly of sexual assault and gender violence therein.  We explore the impact of a woman's formative history in shaping her pastoral journey. As we wrap up, we delve into the ways we can support, amplify, and uplift the voices of women in ministry. 

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Dave & Kathy Thurston have been married for over 40 years and have three grown up children. They have been in ministry in one form or another for nearly forty years. Five and a half years ago Dave and Kathy Thurston left Sydney and parish ministry to work in the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. Their brief was mentoring pastors and their wives, training other to be mentors, develop a post college training program as well as various other ventures. Six months ago, they returned to their three adult children and wider family but not to the inner west. They now live in Blackheath on two acres where God willing they will build a Christian Retreat centre. 

They love working with their brothers and sisters in Christian ministry to be healthy and fruitful followers of Jesus. 

They continue to train people to be mentors through Mentor Equipping Queensland

 In this episode they share their story, their journey and they deepest longings for ministry to be joyful and sustainable. They share their wisdom on how mentoring, combined with spiritual development and health, plays a critical role in ministry. The episode takes a deep look into the importance of emotional awareness, spiritual maturity, and understanding our emotions under the guidance of Jesus for effective leadership.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

The Trinity Network has its origin at Trinity Church Adelaide, which was established in 1836 .  Paul and Sue Harrington share their story of 35 years in ministry with the network, which now consists of 14 churches across Adelaide and South Australia.

Dive into the Harringtons' candid thoughts about juggling ministry life and family, the connection that spouses need, and their reflections on the structures that help and hinder our churches, their leaders and their families from doing life and faith together.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz here

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

A message from Valerie as the next episodes get published.

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!