Request Prayer or Care

Clergy Well-Being

The care and well-being of clergy is not only a practical concern—it is a spiritual imperative.

Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez

Director of Care and Healing

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, emphasized the importance of “watching over one another in love,” recognizing that those called to shepherd others must themselves be nurtured in body, mind and spirit. This vision of clergy holistic well-being is connected to the health of the church; when pastors are supported and healthy, congregations flourish.

This holistic view affirms that spiritual leadership must be sustained by rhythms of Sabbath rest, reflection and renewal, grounded in God’s grace. Supporting clergy well-being means honoring their humanity, acknowledging their challenges and equipping them to lead with resilience and compassion. Through prayer, retreats, peer support and practical resources, we seek to embody the grace-filled community that Wesley envisioned—one where God empowers clergy to thrive in their calling and lead others into deeper discipleship.

Clergy Well-Being Survey

In July 2024, the Horizon Texas Conference conducted a Clergy Well-Being Survey to better understand how our clergy experience care and support. The top areas identified for improvement included clergy care and well-being, mental and emotional health, conflict resolution, equipping laity in care and prayer, and spiritual retreats for clergy.

In response, the conference launched four grief retreats in fall 2024, led by Rev. Dr. Vicki Johnson, in Keller, Waco, Dallas and Lubbock. These one-day gatherings offered clergy space to reflect on personal grief, explore healing rituals and share resources for emotional wellness. We introduced a comprehensive prayer and care request form—widely promoted through conference channels and the “Notes for a New Day” publication—to capture both clergy concerns and community prayer needs. This system has become a vital bridge, connecting those in need with appropriate support and fostering a culture of care that strengthens the churches we serve. Additionally, a lay-led conflict resolution team has been created called “Transform” to walk with clergy and congregations through conflict.

The Care and Healing and Multiplication departments continue to collaborate on meaningful opportunities to address clergy well-being needs as identified in the 2024 survey.

Resources

Return to ministries page