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Caring for clergy is an essential part of caring for congregations and communities.

Today, clergy are living and serving in complex times. The hours are long,. The work requires emotional labor and interpersonal skills. The tasks range from the theological to the mechanical. The outcomes are often ambiguous with few projects seeing finite endings. The need for a unique and extended sabbath is real. 

An emphasis on holistic health is part of our Wesleyan tradition. John Wesley believed that physical, mental, and spiritual health were all connected.

“The support clergy receive (or do not receive) has a direct impact upon their effectiveness and sustainability of congregations and communities. God’s kingdom grows more fully when clergy are healthy and whole, and, by contrast, unhealthy and unsupported clergy hinder the mission of God.”

– AUSTIN AND COMEAU, 2022

Mini Well-Being Grant

The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference recommends that both laity and clergy nurture a daily practice of well-being that include five dimensions: physical, emotional, spiritual, relational and financial. Mini-grants are available to support clergy in their regular well-being practices.

Mini Well-Being Grant

Clergy Renewal Leave Grant

The Clergy Renewal Leave Grant provides financial assistance for Tennessee-
Western Kentucky Conference clergy to take a renewal leave according to ¶351.3 of The 2024 Book of Discipline.

Clergy Renewal Leave Grant

Clergy participating in the Conference health benefit program through Wespath have access to eight counseling sessions per member of the household, per issue, per year. Participants can choose from a list of in-network providers or access an online therapist through Talkspace. Additionally, through Wespath all clergy are able to access free financial coaching support through Ernst and Young.

Reflective supervision gives clergy a safe space to explore in depth specific challenges they are facing within their ministry and/or personal life. Participating clergy meet with one of the trained supervisors for approximately 90 minutes every 6-8 weeks to reflect on an issue of their choosing.

The Art of Well-Being became one of our Conference’s primary resource for clergy-well being. Led by Reverend Dr. Vicki Johnson, The Art of Well-Being course utilizes a “coach approach” process in which the primary resource is the internal wisdom and expertise of participants rather than prescriptions from a teacher.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare offers employee assistant program (EAP) services to clergy who are not on the Conference insurance. This plan covers individuals under appointment who have waived healthcare coverage, those who are not eligible for health benefits, and retirees. The plan covers the appointed/clergy individual and members of their household. This plan offers 8 counseling sessions per member of the household, per issue, per year. Participants can choose from a list of in-network providers or access an online therapist.

Cohorts for Clergywomen + Well-Being. RESTORE is a small-group experience for clergywomen ready to reconnect with their well-being in a supportive community. Together, they will cultivate resilience, clarity, and joy. Offered by TWK deacon, Rev. Stephanie B. Dunn, ACC. RESTORE is an eligible use of the conference’s micro well-being grants for clergy. Space is limited—register at: www.stephaniebdunn.com/restore

Steal Away Women’s Ministry, led by Paula Smith (Elder, Gordon Memorial UMC), hosts workshops and retreats to inspire, equip and empower women to live holistically—in mind, body, and spirit.

Day 7 is a Nashville-based nonprofit organization that provides nonprofit and ministry staff with self-care resources in order to alleviate burnout, promote individual and organizational health, and support a more effective and sustainable service. Founded by a TWK clergy, Day 7 provides personalized care plans that target emotional health, physical health, spiritual health and mental health.

Many clergy serve as certified spiritual directors and clergy coaches.

Every seven years, clergy are eligible for and encouraged to take a sabbatical.

Both Beersheba Springs Assembly y Camp Cedar Crest offer clergy sabbath retreats at deep discount. Included in the price at Beersheba Springs is a session with a spiritual director.

Triumph Over Trauma is a free, 7-week psychoeducational program that aids people on their journey to recovery. Developed by Extension Minister Neelley Hicks in partnership with the National Association of State Mental Health Program and Harper Hill Global, Triumph Over Trauma seeks to train faith communities in addressing trauma in their congregations. The curriculum adapts the Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health and Recovery curriculum and provides a Christian supplement.  Volunteer facilitators are trained and equipped to lead a gender-separate group of no more than 15 in a creative, faith-affirming way.

Covenant Entities, such as Project Transformation, Miriam’s Promisey Hannah’s Hope provide trauma-informed interventions to clients in the community. Miriam’s Promise provides training on trauma-informed adoption and parenting. Project Transformation’s trauma informed approach to serving young people integrates social emotional learning and restorative practice. More than 300 young adult alumni, as well as laity and/or clergy from more than 50 partnering churches have received some level of introduction or training on childhood trauma through Project Transformation.

Methodist LeBonheur has partnered with churches to provide mental health training to the community. The Dennis H. Jones Living Well Network (of Methodist LeBonheur) seeks to connect resources, reduce the stigma around mental health and engage in advocacy. They offer free depression and anxiety screenings.

Several churches in the TWK have addiction and recovery ministries. These include: St. John’s UMC, Fresh Starts, Hermitage UMC, McKendree UMC, Milburn UMC, Concord UMC, Fulton First UMC, and Jacob’s Well. Some use the model of Celebrate Recovery, others participate in the state-sponsored congregational recovery network. In addition to offering direct addiction and recovery ministries, many churches in our connection are home to recovery small groups such as GriefShare, Divorce Care, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon Family Groups, and Sexaholics Anonymous (SA).

Local churches across the TWK engage in mental health support in a number of ways. Some churches house an external licensed counseling center, such as Brentwood UMC and Belle Meade UMC. Some churches have hosted mental health trainings by community health professionals, such as Mumford UMC, Broadway UMC, and Franklin First UMC. Some clergy have offered sermon series on holistic health, such as Belle Meade UMC. Some churches offer grief services, especially around the Christmas season. It is unknown how many churches in the TWK offer a specific mental health support to their congregation or community.

Many of our churches offer ministry and congregational care through Stephen’s Ministers.

UMCOR and our TWK disaster relief efforts include a social-emotional care component to address trauma and grief.

Iglesia y sociedad works to advance policy and congregational education around our shared United Methodist social principles. One of their key areas is mental health.

BOOK: Caring for Clergy: Understanding a Disconnected Network of Providers, by Austin and Comeau

Clergy Health Initiative – Since 2007 has gathered valuable data on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being specific to United Methodist clergy. Find physical, mental, and spiritual well-being practices, strategies that flourishing clergy use, protective factors against burnout and poor mental health, and practices to manage stress.

Clergy Well-being Survey – conducted by Wespath

CommonTable – network for clergy care providers. Past virtual gatherings include topics such as clergy resilience, clergy work-family conflict, and the church as frontline mental health providers.

Flourishing in Ministry – Birthed out of Dr. Matt Bloom and the University of Notre Dame; supports ministry leaders into daily wellbeing, resilience, thriving, and wellness.

BOOK: Rest is Resistance, Tricia Hersey

Access free and discounted renewal retreats through Camping and Retreat Ministries.

Learn More

Evidence-based practices for clergy to consider.

Learn More

Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) has been serving The United Methodist Church for over 100 years. To promote well-being across the denomination, Wespath focuses on improving the five dimensions of well-being — physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial– for clergy and laity of The United Methodist Church and their families. Among their offerings are well-being programs, educational opportunities, trends and reports and well-being partnerships. 

HealthFlex is a wellness-driven group health plan for United Methodist Church annual conferences and employer groups. Benefits options include a combination of medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

HealthFlex offers a broad range of plan designs, including:

  • Six medical/pharmacy plans, most of which include a health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA) to help offset out-of-pocket expenses
  • Three dental plans
  • Three vision plans

HealthFlex Exchange uses a premium credit (fixed dollar amount defined by each plan sponsor) which can be used toward the premium of the plan you choose. Choosing your health plan is a big decision, and Wespath provides training and decision-support tools, like ALEX Benefits Counselor, to help you compare your options.

Virgin Pulse Physical Activity Program – Interactive program with a steptracker and online activity dashboard designed to increase physical activity, improve sleep and eating habits, and enhance overall well-being.

Health coaching through Virgin Pulse is provided over the phone with trained health care professionals including dietitians, exercise physiologists and psychologists. Earn Wellness Credits to spend.

Chronic Disease Prevention – Offered through Omada Health®, these programs are for those at risk for diabetes or heart disease, or for those with diabetes.

Weight Watchers – HealthFlex offers a 50% subsidy on WeightWatchers membership fees.

MD Live – Consult with a physician, licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist by phone, video or MDLIVE app anytime, 24/7.  Register and active your MDLIVE account online (benefitsaccess.org) or by phone (1-888-750-4991).

Employee Assistance Program – Confidential counseling and support to help manage issues in your personal or professional life. Participants covered by HealthFlex—as well as participants’ family and household members, including those not covered by HealthFlex—have access to eight free sessions per concern per year.

 

Health Check is an online health questionnaire to assess your health and identify ways to improve.

Toolkits – comprehensive evidence-based information on well-being topics such as: Decreasing Screen Time, Nutrition, Resiliency, Physical Activity, and First Aid for Mental Health.

Recursos – brochures, health statistic resources that help you understand and improve well-being

Newsletters – great well-being information in easy to read and share format

Videos – interactive videos to inform and inspire activity

Webinars – webinars to improve the well-being of your family, congregation, and self

Wespath uses a systematic research approach to design and implement programs. Read the findings here, including results of the annual clergy well-being survey. 

Reflective Supervision is a tool that can help clergy to be attentive to the presence of God and view their ministry through a different lens.

Reflective supervision is a form of pastoral supervision useful as a means for clergy to explore and reflect on the practice of ministry, their calling, and their well-being.

Pioneered by the Methodist Church of Britain, research has demonstrated that reflective supervision: 1) Provides reliable accompaniment that supports the well-being and flourishing of clergy 2) Strengthens boundary awareness and role clarity that supports the safeguarding of everyone in the congregation, and 3) Provides intentional sacred space for discerning what God is saying.

A clergy person (supervisee) covenants to meet with a trained and approved supervisor in a supportive and confidential space. It is a relationship of accompaniment,  providing a safe space for reflection and reducing feelings of isolation.

Reflective Supervision is a space to reflect on ministry and is an aid in enhancing the joy and creativity in ministry as well as reducing burnout. Reflective supervision helps clergy:

  • Focus on self-care
  • Pay attention to spiritual, emotional, financial and physical well-being
  • Determine learning needs for their specific context
  • Reflect on the challenges of ministry
  • Gain insight of role clarity and expectations
  • Discover what is already known and forgotten
Reflective Supervision Guidelines

Trey Carey

Rev. Dr. Trey Carey is an ordained Elder in the TWKUMC with over 20 years of ministry experience at churches in Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma. He is married to Abbey and they have two children, Lilly Broox and Leo. In his role as pastor, Trey is passionate about encouraging and equipping people of all ages and stages of life to grow in their relationships with Christ and others. In his role as reflective supervisor, he is passionate about walking with people as they reflect on God’s presence, rest in God’s provision, and recognize God’s purpose while reaching their fullest potential in life and ministry.

Sue Engle Carrigan

Rev. Sue Engle Carrigan is a second career pastor serving First United Methodist Church, in Fulton, KY.  She spent the first part of her life in accounting and transitioned into full-time ministry over the last 18 years.  Sue is a newlywed after the loss of her husband of 40 years.  She is the mom to three, and a grandmother to five with more on the way.  She loves to read, take long walks, and spend time with friends and family. Sue began reflective supervision as part of an earlier pilot process offered by the GBHEM.  She was in a new appointment and found the opportunity to talk through challenges to be so helpful that she took the opportunity to become a trained supervisor.  Working with others in the process has been a blessing as the process allows for God to speak in a sacred space.

LeNoir Culbertson

Rev. Dr. LeNoir H. Culbertson is retired from full time ministry after 40 + years of service in a multi-church charge, as a hospital chaplain, as lead pastor in small, medium and large membership churches and as a District Superintendent.  She has a great passion for walking with people as they seek to honor their God given callings in faithful and fruitful ways throughout all of life’s seasons. She has experienced Reflective Supervision to be very Wesleyan in its capacity to undergird those on the journey to experience both being held by grace and held accountable within a trustworthy covenant community.

Heather Harriss

Heather currently serves as the pastor for Spiritual Care and Connection at Belmont UMC in Nashville. Her ministry focuses on creating and sharing spaces and practices that help people feel more connected to God, to their neighbor and to their own soul. She has found the model for Reflective Supervision to be helpful in navigating the complexities of a life in ministry. Reflective Supervision provides a safe space to explore the things that are making your ministry difficult and with the help of the Holy Spirit to discern strategies and next steps for healing and growth.

Sarah McWhirt-Toler

Rev. Sarah McWhirt-Toler is an ordained deacon currently serving as an associate pastor at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville, TN. Previously, Sarah taught preK-4th grade Bible and led chapel services at an independent school in the Nashville area. As a clergyperson, mother and spouse, Sarah is particularly passionate about walking alongside clergy who emotionally, spiritually and physically support others. For Sarah, experiencing supervision has been a way to prioritize her own well-being and success, and she is eager to offer this support to others as a holy and life-giving affirmation of their vocation through reflective supervision.

What is Reflective Supervision?

Reflective Supervision is a 90-minute session with a trained “Supervisor” who creates space for you to regularly step out of the flow to catch your breath, reflect on and strategize around some aspect of your work as a minister and its impact on you and those with whom you work.

Why is it called Reflective Supervision?

This is supervision, not in the sense of your being evaluated, but as a connection provided place of support and accountability for your development, safety, and well-being, and that of those with whom you work.

What is a Reflective Supervision Session like?

Every six to eight weeks you’ll meet with a person trained for 90 minutes to help you reflect on an issue that you bring from your ministry on which you’d value some help in exploring. Examples of the kinds questions you might explore together:  

  • How can I best deal with this challenging situation?
  • What do I need to do to prepare for an upcoming event?
  • How can I deal more effectively with administrative tasks?
  • How do I manage conflicting expectations?

Your reflective supervision will help you narrow down what you want from the conversation and provide processes for your to receive deepened insights and next steps for your selected issue.

Is this a confidential conversation?

As Reflective Supervision sessions close, together the supervisor and supervisee will create an “agreed record” of the conversation that notes the main topic (ex: Sally explored how to establish a working relationship with her new SPRC chair), any significant risks (e.g burnout, communication breakdown, financial or legal risks and steps to be taken), and any referrals that require action. A copy of this record, and only this record, goes to the person with primary oversight responsibilities for your ministry, typically your district superintendent. The agreed record allows for confidential conversation, while providing the person with oversight responsibility for your ministry with the information they need to help them fulfill their responsibilities to you and to the greater system.

How is Reflective Supervision different from coaching?

Coaching and reflective supervision can feel similar. But where coaching has a tight focus on making measurable progress towards a defined goal in some aspect of your ministry across time, reflective supervision has the broad focus of your ministry in general and a greater emphasis on surfacing the insights that then lead to next steps and wholistic development as a ministry practitioner.

Who are the supervisors?

The supervisors are active and retired clergy and laypersons active in the United Methodist Church who have received training to be a supervisor. Read their bios here.

Are Reflective Supervision sessions in person or by Zoom?

You would negotiate this with your supervisor. In-person sessions may not be possible because of the geography of the Conference and the location of the supervisors.

What is expected of me?

You would commit to six 90-minute sessions over 10-12 months and preparation before each session. Preparation means prayerful consideration of what issue or focus you will bring to the reflective supervision session.

How do I sign up for Reflective Supervision?

You can register Reflective Supervision itself here. You will be matched with a supervisor shortly after registering.

How much will it cost?

At this time, for this initial pilot in the TWK Conference, there is no cost for participating. If you would prefer to receive supervision from a supervisor outside of the Conference, typically the cost is approximately $900 for 6 sessions over 12 months. 

May I use continuing education funds the church has budgeted?

Yes. You are encouraged to share with your Staff Parish Relations Committee that you are in Reflective Supervision.

Who may I contact for more information?

If you have any questions, contact the Courtney Lawson, Ministry Associate. 

Reflective Supervision Registration

Reflective supervision is a supportive, confidential space for reflection on ministry. As you register, you may choose to indicate a preference for whom your supervisor will be, although we cannot guarantee ones you prefer will be able to add additional persons. You will not be matched with someone you prefer not to work with.

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If there is anything specifically you would like us to know, please share it in this space.

Reflective Supervision: Make a Referral

Referral Information

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If there is anything specifically you would like to share, tell us here.

The individuals listed below responded to an inquiry that simply requested contact information for those offering spiritual direction and clergy coaching to folks in the geographical area of our Conference.

It is the responsibility of the individual seeking spiritual direction to: 1) ask the care provider about their training and certification for this ministry, and 2) determine if any given clergy care provider is the right match. The TWK Conference is not in a position to recommend or validate the qualifications of any particular provider.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare offers employee assistant program (EAP) services to clergy who are not on the Conference insurance. This plan covers individuals under appointment who have waived healthcare coverage, those who are not eligible for health benefits, and retirees. The plan covers the appointed/clergy individual and members of their household. This plan offers 8 counseling sessions per member of the household, per issue, per year. Participants can choose from a list of in-network providers or access an online therapist. To access services, call 800-880-5658.

The Dennis H. Jones Living Well Network seeks to connect resources, reduce the stigma around mental health and engage in advocacy. They offer free depression and anxiety screenings.

Steal Away Women’s Ministry hosts workshops and retreats to inspire, equip and empower women to live holistically—in mind, body, and spirit.

Day 7 is a Nashville-based nonprofit organization that provides nonprofit and ministry staff with self-care resources in order to alleviate burnout, promote individual and organizational health, and support a more effective and sustainable service. Founded by a TWK clergy, Day 7 provides personalized care plans that target emotional health, physical health, spiritual health and mental health.

The Art of Well-Being: utilizes a “coach approach” process in which the primary resource is the internal wisdom and expertise of participants rather than prescriptions from a teacher. Group process and individual coaching sessions make use of inquiry and response to generate greater self-awareness and clarity about each participant’s overall. By the end of the course, participants are able to design a personalized WellBeing Action Plan (i.e. Rule of Life) that is specific and measurable, courageous and realistic. Approximately 55-60 TWK clergy and laity have participated in this so far.

Trey Carey (Murfreesboro)

Stephanie Dunn (Nashville)

Rick Kerchoff (Germantown)

Tommy Ward (Murfreesboro)

Dr. Phil Jamieson (Brentwood)

Bill Campbell (Murfreesboro)

Heather Harriss (Nashville)

Linda Mischke (Memphis)

Sally Sharpe (Mt. Juliet, TN)

Whitney Simpson (Lebanon, TN)

Scott Spradley (Smyrna)

Jane Turner (Carthage)

Rev. Shelby Slowey (Nashville)

Katie Rea (Nashville)

The Connectional Ministries Office, Equip Staff is charged with gathering clergy care providers for the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. To be considered, please complete this form. All persons listed in our directory must 1) have a personal reference by someone who is a clergy or lay members of the TWK UMC, 2) complete a recognized spiritual direction training program, and 3) agree to abide by recognized ethical guidelines. 

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