Pastoral Care, Self-Care and Mental Health Resources

For resources and insights on grief and funerals, visit this page.

General Health and Wellness

COVID-19 2021 Update: Seeds of Hope

Conversation with Deborah Ringen, Minister of Health and Wellness, on Healthy Living during the Pandemic

As our states phase through the pandemic with lessening restrictions on public activities the questions comes up about how to provide pastoral care. These documents offer some guidance and points for conversation and reflection for staff and ministry leadership: Pastoral Care in a Phasing Forward Time; Caring for Neighbors from a Distance
Four guidelines for improvising pastoral leadership through a pandemic
by Eileen R. Campbell-Reed, The Christian Century, March 20
What Do I Do About Pastoral Care? By Don Remick, March 20
10 guidelines for pastoral care during the coronavirus outbreak
by Eileen R. Campbell-Reed, The Christian Century, March 10
A Spiritual Care Guide in Times of Disaster (PDF)
From the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Inc. for Disaster Response Volunteers, First Responders and Disaster Planners
Psychological Effects of Quarantine During the Coronavirus Outbreak
From the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Resisting the Pandemic of Prejudice, Reclaiming the Power of Relationships by Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, PhD
Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19 - End of life care planning

Our Disaster Resource and Response Team recommends insights on clergy self care in the aftermath of stress and trauma from Alban at Duke Divinity: Clergy Self-Care Strategies for Good Times and Bad

Lessons From Ministry in the Midst of a Disaster: 5 Lessons from Matthew Crebbin, Pastor of the Newtown Congregational Church

Too Many Pastors are Falling on Their Own Swords by Jakob Topper, Baptist News Global
This pandemic is taking its toll on our clergy and church leadership. The author of this article begins with ,“I was on a Zoom call recently with 10 pastors across three denominations, when one of the participants shared a struggle with suicidal thoughts in these challenging days. By the time the meeting concluded, four of the 10 had found the courage to admit their own suicidal ideations.” Please know that our staff, the resources on these web pages, and our upcoming programs are here to help.
Your Surge Capacity is Depleted - It's Why You Feel Awful by Tara Haelle, for Elemental
Who cares for the shepherds? The Secondary Trauma of Faith Leaders Must be Addressed by Jessica Young Brown for Faith and Leadership