Chris Yaw Interviews Stephen McCutchan: How Well Are You Taking Care of Your Pastor?
Our pastors take care of us, that's their job - but should my job also be to take care of them?
Retired Presbyterian pastor, author, and consultant Stephen McCutchan says, 'Absolutely!' He created the Pastoral Care Network whose litany is: Healthy Clergy, Healthy Church, and he's devoted his life to coming alongside church leaders to bring about renewed health and vigor in church leaders so that congregations can flourish.
In this fascinating interview, Stephen tells us why 70% of pastors (and 80% of clergy spouses) say it's a very hard on a minister's family, and how congregations can do a better job caring for their leaders.
Watch the Full Program BELOW.
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Synopsis
Stephen McCutchan says the challenges are in the areas of physical, financial, family, spiritual, emotional, and vocation (in fact he has a free download here). Here are my notes from the interview:
It's a Different Call
Unlike most jobs, clergy families tend to know the minister's co-workers and 'customers', plus there are more expectations of these families. How much do we understand this and how do we respond.
Clergy Appreciation
When was the last time your congregation marked the anniversary of your pastor's call? Or thanked the spouse? Or even acknowledged it's a tough job? Stephen says the effort goes a long way to instilling health in the faith community.
No More Solo Pastors
Congregations that share the leadership, if only the support of the leader, are healthier, period. Clergy do well to raise up leaders alongside to share the work as a team, not an individual.
About Stephen McCutchan
Stephen McCuchan is a retired Presbyterian pastor. He is an award winning author whose ministry is aimed at caring for pastors. He spent thirty-eight years in the pastoral ministry. He published a book, Let's Have Lunch, Conversation, Race, and Community: Celebrating 20 Years of the Presbyterian Inter-Racial Dialogue. He also helped establish a Hispanic ministry in Winston-Salem. His church has participated in regular activities with the Jewish community. These include two CDs, A Deep Well for the Pastor, and Laughter From the Well. The latter builds on his interest in performing standup comedy. He has also led webinars on both writing and the care of clergy and edits the Newsletter for the Presbytery Pastoral Care Network, www.pastoralcarenetwork.org . He blogs regularly on various aspects of the support of clergy.
Books Stephen Recommends:
Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix
Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others
