Since I began this position, one of my goals has been to find ways to address clergy burnout. I know from my colleagues and my own experience that doing ministry during the pandemic, the disaffiliation of churches, and this ongoing time of deep political division is hard.

The Benefits Office aims to help address these ongoing issues that sometimes cause people to leave the ministry prematurely. It exists not only to provide clergy with benefits now but also to continually plan for the future benefits of the Conference’s retirees. I continue to remind people that if clergy don’t reach retirement, we haven’t fulfilled our responsibility. Burnout can sometimes prevent people from retiring; at the very least, it can hinder them from being the bold and effective leaders that our conference prioritizes among our clergy.

This year, I also started the Practical Church Leadership Program at Dakota Wesleyan University. A component of that program is an Applied Project, making the focus on clergy burnout a natural fit.

Here’s where I need your help. I am trying to gather as much information from clergy as possible about how they think the Benefits Office could best address clergy burnout. I would greatly appreciate it if you could please take the time to fill out this survey. It should take less than five minutes, but it will be of immense value to me as I continue in this work.

I care about clergy because I am a clergy person. I want to see clergy thrive, and burnout is a major factor preventing that. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. I’m asking you as MI Benefits Guy!

Last Updated on December 30, 2024