Last updated 13th September 2023
The ordained ministers of the Church of England are a vital part of the Mission of God to the nation. As both good stewardship of this vital resource and in exercise of its duty of care, the Church needs to ensure that its clergy find their ministry life-giving, sustainable in the long-term and properly supported in crisis as well as in less risky moments. The wellbeing of the clergy is crucial to the health of the Church at worship, in mission and in pastoral care.
Clergy have opportunity to meet together in their Deanery Chapter and other groupings, as well as the provision of grants for training events, retreats and sabatticals, and the Ministerial Development Review process. If you would like to explore mentoring or work consultancy, please ask the Director of Ministry or your Archdeacon.
All should guard themselves and their family against becoming victims of harmful levels of stress. It is the calling of all Christians, whether married or not, including those with a vocation to celibacy, to take the necessary steps to nurture in holiness their lives, their friendships and their family relationships. Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy 2015, 10.4
All clergy are encouraged to have someone who will help them reflect on their spiritual life. We have a diocesan spiritual direction scheme which can help you find someone if that would be helpful. More information can be found on the spiritual direction page of the website.
We encourage clergy to take a regular day off each week, and an extra day each month, in addition to their full holiday allowance, as set out in their Statement of Particulars.
The NHS offers health checks for anyone aged 40-74 who does not already have a serious health issue. Details on their website.
The Archdeacon of Blackburn organises regular Clergy walks that give an opportunity for mutual support as well as buring off a few calories.
The Diocesan HR Manager, Andrew Cooke (andrew.cooke@blackburn.anglican.org) can help clergy access a number of avenues of support via our occupational health provider.
If you would rather access support directly:
The Interdiocesan Counselling Service offers professional counselling to Clergy, Church Army Officer, Ordinands and their families in the five north-west Dioceses.
St Luke’s offers a number of avenues of support – for more information see its website www.stlukesforclergy.org.uk
New Start offers one-to-one private counselling sessions with one of their highly skilled, BACP registered counsellors. Having recevied a referral, New Start will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange the first session - you will be seen by a counsellor within 10 working days. They also offer group work programmes and family support.