Since 2007, the Duke Clergy Health Collaborative has identified, created, and promoted evidence-based practices to enhance the well-being of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina using data from our biennial Statewide Clergy Health Survey. In 2019, we launched the Seminary to Early Ministry (SEM) Study to better understand and resource seminarians, too. Together, our studies provide the most substantial longitudinal data sets to date on trends affecting faith leaders from seminary through retirement. Funded by The Duke Endowment, the Collaborative works closely with Duke Divinity School and the two Annual Conferences of the North Carolina United Methodist Church to translate our original research into shared resources that help clergy and seminarians serve well and be well at the same time.
Guided by Research
NC-UMC clergy face declining church resources, rising social pressures, and systemic barriers to health, leaving many unable to sustain long-term flourishing in ministry. What’s more, sometimes their own congregants don’t fully understand the demands of their ministry. More than ever, pastors need the “reality check” of research that helps them reflect on their well-being and resource them in their calling.
Grounded in Relationship
Central to our mission is identifying, testing, and promoting evidence-based resources that are trustworthy and collaborative in their approach. We work closely with key stakeholders to disseminate content that is highly responsive to the theological, psychological, and practical needs of pastors. Our resources range from guides for S/PRCs who want to support their pastor's well-being to tips for practicing self-care in seminary.
Serve Well Newsletter
Every month, we share trends in ministry formation and flourishing so that however you serve—seminarian, clergy, researcher, educator, or administrator—you can serve well.