Health & Wellness

Caring for the Whole Pastor, for the sake of the Whole Church

Clergy wellness is essential to faithful, sustainable ministry. When pastors are supported in living healthy, balanced lives, congregations and communities are better able to flourish.

The Susquehanna Conference is committed to supporting clergy in cultivating life-giving rhythms of work, rest, and play - honoring both their calling and their humanity. This page serves as a growing repository for health and wellness resources, with additional tools, opportunities, and guidance added as they become available.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Ministry touches every part of life, so wellness must be understood holistically. Being well means attending not only to spiritual health, but also to emotional, physical, relational, and financial well-being.

A holistic approach to clergy wellness includes:

  • Grounded spiritual practices that sustain faith and vocation
  • Support for emotional and mental health
  • Care for physical health and bodily limits
  • Health relationships and social connection
  • Financial stewardship that reduces stress and supports long-term ministry

This integrated vision recognizes that clergy serve God not despite their humanity, but through it.

Wellness as Faithful Stewardship

Caring for one's health is not selfish - it is an act of stewardship. Scripture calls us to honor the lives entrusted to us, and attending to wellness is part of faithful discipleship and leadership.

From a Wesleyan perspective, this integration of body and soul is deeply  rooted in our tradition. John Wesley emphasized the convention between physical health and spiritual vitality, reminding us that how we are for ourselves shapes how we serve others.

Modeling healthy boundaries and sustainable practices also helps cultivate cultures of wellness within congregations. It is not a one-time initiative, but an ongoing practice that should be shared by clergy, SPRCs, and leadership teams.

Supporting Your Wellness

The Susquehanna Conference encourages clergy to engage wellness intentionally and proactively, recognizing that sustainable ministry depends on the care of the whole person. Support may include opportunities for spiritual renewal, emotional and mental health resources, physical health support, and tools for financial wellness.

Many wellness-related benefits - such as preventive care and mental health coverage - are provided through clergy insurance plans. Clergy are encouraged to visit the Pensions & Benefits page to learn more about the wellness resources available through their coverage.

The page will continue to evolve as new health and wellness resources, trainings, and opportunities become available. Caring for the pastor is one of the most faithful investments the Church can make - for the sake of its leaders, its congregations, and its witness in the world.