Clergy Self-Care: Finding a Balance for Effective Ministry

by Roy M. Oswald

Nationally known for his work and teaching on clergy development, Oswald integrates research and experience into a liberating perspective on the pastoral calling. Discover how imbalances in your physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual lives can destroy the very ministry you seek to carry out. Learn what you can do to restore that balance. Packed with self-assessment tools, real-life experiences, and specific self-care strategies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Leadership

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in the late 1980s, but most of the information and recommendations about how to live a balanced life and avoid burnout or cyncism in our work are still current in popular communications. I've read countless articles, blog and Facebook posts, and books over the past decade with essentially the same recommendations. Oswald found an important audience to whom to speak, because while clergy are trained to and spend their life promoting healthy lifestyle practices, awareness of and proximity to good advice aren't always guarantors of their implementation. Additionally, a life is dynamic, and what works in one time and context falls flat in another. The need for constant attention, grace toward self when we fail to live up to our own goals and standards, and the willingness to adapt and change over time are key. Living with gratitude and remembrance are also important factors in managing and alleviating the stresses of our responsibilities.

[Carol Hassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the words "Effective Ministry" in the title to me are off-putting even though I understand.
However, the content and advice that Oswald gives is researched and very good. He writes with the experience and seasoned compassion for clergy. If you want wisdom and permission to find joy in your ministry again...this book will support you.

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone who is engaged in full-time vocational ministry (whether pastoral, Christian counselling, or para-church organizations). What I love about this book is its emphasis on having a holistic understanding of who we are. We are not bodies or souls only, but rather we are comprised of emotions and knowledge and thus we must ensure that we adequately improve our spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and intellectual lives. This book also is includes several helpful assessments in allowing us to understanding how we process stress, how we deal with asserting our own needs, and even how clergy spouse's may relate to stress. Finally, this book gives several practical examples of how to maintain one's own practices of prayer and fasting and advocates for concepts like sabbaticals and educational seminars in order to increase the long-jevity of one's ministry. This is a book that every seminary student should read before heading out onto the field themselves.

[Steve Penner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great help to me several years into my ministry. I had met Roy at a conference on the long term pastorates and was impressed with his analysis and recommendations. I read the book as a follow up and have tried to implement it's recommendations. I generally don't do as well on the physical wellness as on the other aspects of self care, but at least I know where I'm falling short.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy M. Oswald presents a very clear, compelling, and challenging case for clergy well-being, approaching it in a comprehensive and holistic manner, covering everything from spiritual disciplines to sugar intake. It's hard to imagine a book on this topic being written any better. Now if I can just put all of it into practice...

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good practical advice though section 5 wasn't my thing