Caring for Clergy

What if Clergy Had the Support Needed to Thrive?

Caring for Clergy: Understanding a Disconnected Network of Providers explores strategies to build a more connected network of clergy care providers. The network’s ministry strengthens congregations and has the capability to produce an exponential return for the kingdom of God.

The Problem:
A Disconnected Network of Providers

Like Aaron and Hur, who lifted the arms of a tired Moses during battle (Exodus 17), the care of clergy is both critical and often challenging.

While the individuals and organizations who support clergy provide beneficial services like counseling, coaching, spiritual direction, funding, hospitality, and education, providers are often disconnected.

Groundbreaking Research Reveals Gaps

Our groundbreaking national research reveals gaps in the training, qualifications, and formational experiences of clergy care providers. We note differences in language that hinder effective communication as well as significant disparities in the literature that informs clergy care. Addressing these disconnects has the potential to improve the lives of clergy and the congregations and communities they serve.

“This book arrives at a critical moment for the church”

– Lindsay Geist, Director of Wellbeing, North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church

  • “Caring for Clergy is a magnificent contribution toward a healthier church.”

    – Lovett Weems, Wesley Theological Seminary

  • “Austin and Comeau have written an important book celebrating the central role of healthy clergy to a healthy society.”

    – Mac Pier, Movement.org

  • "Comprehensive and thoroughly informed . . . a thought-provoking and foundational text for all who are engaged in the work of supporting clergy.”

    – David C. Wang, Fuller Theological Seminary

  • “The exhaustive and comprehensive data coupled with the brilliant commentary has given significant clarity as to where the challenges lie today and how we might find a path to health and wholeness in the days to come. . . . This book is a must read!”

    – Marc Estes, Portland Bible College | Mannahouse Church

  • “Caring for Clergy is a vital read for anyone serious about the emerging conversations, new research, and future possibilities for clergy care and its providers. I know no other book in this field that is more needed and accomplishes what this one does.”

    – W. Craig Gilliam, Gilliam and Associates, LLC

  • "Austin and Comeau . . . identify roadblocks that hinder cooperation and describe pathways to building a more robust ecosystem of support for clergy.”

    – David Eagle, Duke University

  • "This book makes an important contribution by showing where clergy care is being done well, but even more how the network of providers must do a better job to care for those who are servants of the church.”

    – Kurt N. Fredrickson, Fuller Theological Seminary

  • “Austin and Comeau argue convincingly that those who care for clergy are essential to the future ecology of faith in the U.S.”

    – David P. King, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving

  • "Austin and Comeau have not only shared valuable research on clergy care but on the issues and challenges associated with doing this well and in collaboration across the landscape of individuals and organizations that are called to be the Aaron and Hur’s of today.”

    – Marty Sawyers, Full Strength Network

  • “The book should be required reading in seminaries and pastoral/ministerial preparation and training courses.”

    – Natalie Mitchem, International Health Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

  • "This book will benefit church leaders, organizations, and practitioners while opening new and exciting avenues for research, assessment, cooperation, and cross-fertilization.”

    – Manuela Casti Yeagley, University of Notre Dame

  • “A compelling and comprehensive look at clergy care providers grounded in Scripture, tradition, research and story.”

    – Brad Thie, Duke Divinity School

  • “Austin and Comeau reveal the isolation that exists between the myriad of clergy care providers and the significant obstacles they face in caring for clergy. Their research also points the way toward solutions that can result from creating strong relational bonds and making clergy care a top priority.”

    – David Higle, The Wesleyan Church

Passionate Researchers Lead Work

Rev. Dr. Thad Austin, Ph.D. and Dr. Katie Comeau, Ph.D combine their professional expertise to produce meaningful research. They believe the work of clergy care providers matters. Their research and biblical example of the body of Christ reveals opportunities and hope for the future.

Join Us

Whether you are a clergy care provider, a clergy person, or a lay reader, we invite you to respond. Working together, we envision a more connected network of providers offering more effective support for clergy and improving the congregations and communities they serve.