Literature Review of Clergy Resilience and Recommendations for Future Research

Abstract

Clergy often experience a call to help others; however, this passion is hard to sustain because of the chronic and traumatic stress that are components of the job. Because of the unique stressors that are part of professional ministry, clergy need targeted support that is systemic as well as individual to practice resilience. This review of the research provides insight into what factors most impact clergy well-being; as congregations, supervisors, and denominations learn more about these factors, they can more effectively create environments in which clergy can be resilient. This review of the literature also illuminates what clergy might do for themselves to create a sustainable work life that supports their growth and thriving in the midst of adversity in ministry. In addition to articulating the specific stressors clergy face, this review resources congregations, clergy, and supervisors with practical applications of resilience research.

Pastors in Prisons and Correctional Settings, Resilience, and the Propensity for Social Entrepreneurship: Comparing two Continuing Education Programs

“…Overall, the results support refresher training in spirituality for pastors working in prisons and correctional settings. This study adds to the growing domain of research on continuing education for pastors (Houltberg, 2020; Proeschold-Bell et al, 2017; Sielaff et al, 2020), particularly emphasizing on pastors in prison and correctional settings (see also Haviv et al, 2020). Further, the results also foreground the concerns of pastors in prisons/correctional settings in non-western contexts (see Banfield, 2019; Brown & Brown, 2015; Kesner & Pann, 2020; Nyaberi et al, 2019) and asserts that refresher training in spirituality would build resilience and entrepreneurship inclinations for in-service pastors (see also Banfield, 2019; Kesner & Pann, 2020; Krogsrud, 2021; Trotman, 2019).…”

“…At baseline, resilience and entrepreneurship outcome scores were low for pastors, which validates studies that highlight the issues of pastors working in high-demand prison and correctional settings (Haviv et al, 2020; Nyaberi et al, 2019; see also Brown & Brown, 2015; Derlic, 2020). The need thus, for interventions to target resilience and social entrepreneurship inclination outcomes for prisons/correctional setting pastors, is ratified (Banfield, 2019; Houltberg, 2020; Kesner & Pann, 2020; Krogsrud, 2021; Sielaff et al, 2020; Trotman, 2019).…”

“…Maintaining resilience and sustaining creativity and entrepreneurial propensity so as to be able to innovate, is a prerequisite for prison pastors and those working in correctional settings (Banfield, 2019; Kesner & Pann, 2020; Krogsrud, 2021). Pastoral resilience studies have emphasized the need for continuing education to maintain the tenacity to deal with adversities, challenges, and cultivating positive thoughts and feelings that could produce positive actions (Houltberg, 2020; Sielaff et al, 2020). Positive pastoral action also requires an entrepreneurial orientation entailing innovation, proactivity, risk-taking, and autonomy (Trotman, 2019).…”

Clergy Resilience: Accessing Supportive Resources to Balance the Impact of Role-Related Stress and Adversity

“…Clergy Resilience. Sielaff et al (2021) reviewed literature related to clergy resilience and identified four recommended practices to build clergy resilience. The first recommended practice was for clergy to set intentional boundaries to address intrusive demands.…”

“…The third recommendation was that clergy prioritize their spiritual practices to ensure a healthy spiritual life. The final recommendation arising from Sielaff et al’s (2021) literature review was for clergy to engage in peer groups as a way to build their resilience.…”