Our conversation, “Are You Surviving Well? Wells in the Wilderness,” was intended as a space for clergy to share their emotional experiences with one another, explore the depths of their own spiritual hunger, and find ways of moving forward.
While clergy are often tasked with replenishing the minds and spirits of their parishioners, they themselves are often left without nourishment. In the midst of a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social unrest, many clergy have found themselves lacking the emotional and spiritual support they need. This community conversation aimed to facilitate the arduous and vulnerable process of leaning into, understanding, and moving through the drought(s) of need, heaviness, and hunger that pastors are experiencing in this season.
Rev. Dr. Fatimah Salleh opened up the space and time together with a homily centering on narrating the experience of being in the desert and how to navigate its challenges. Elizabeth Howze led much of our discussion, focusing on where clergy are spiritually and what they need to keep going.
For this time of uncertainty and unrest, we ask our clergy friends:
What does it mean for you to be clergy right now?
What do you need?
How do you want God to show up for you?