Towards a pattern for clergy well being

 Clergy need to take responsibility, at least to some extent, and under and with Jesus, for their own well-being. 

Hopefully "the diocese" are supportive of you. But they won't turn up with a big pile of money and make you do what you ought to do. The Bishop cannot stand over you to make sure you pray or set the out of office email. If she tries to make you go to her study day, you will probably resent it! 

Likewise your best and right thinking parishioners, if they consider these things, will be all for them. These things will in fact benefit them if done wisely. No one wants an angry / tired / stressed / drained / resentful / worn out / hopeless / frazzled Vicar! 

It is hard for others to get what it is like for you and hard for them to know what would help you. 

You should pray for self-knowledge. And perhaps get some help. Talk to your spouse and someone else about what might work for you. 

Take your day off and your holidays. There is always some good work you could do on your day off. Don't! Or at least if you do, take some other time off. Ideally a full 24 hours. That is the rule and it is a wise one. Don't feel guilty about saying you will be on holiday (even if you can't afford to stay outside the parish) and don't come back from your holiday to do that funeral. Or at least not more than once a decade. 

You are meant to say Morning and Evening Prayer every day. Do this, or some other devotional practice, in a way that actually feeds your own soul too. There is little more important than each day remembering something of the gospel, saying thank you to Jesus and seeking his grace which is new every morning.  

And then find what will work for you. Perhaps some of the following: 

A quiet away day three times a year?

A planning and review afternoon each term?

A spiritual director or soul friend or group?

Reading? Perhaps have some things you want to read and some time marked out in the diary. 

Writing?

A retreat or conference or study week?

Walking the dog?

Going to the gym?

Hobbies?

Music?

Art?

Get away from your desk. Get out in creation. Breath. No one expects you to work 7am - 11pm six days a week. Allow yourself a little space.  

These things need not be self-indulgent. They are a way of serving God and others for the long haul.

Toil and suffering are normal. Sometimes there are emergencies or busy periods. But in the midst of all the challenges, seek to be a joyful human being, not just a sermon and Bible study machine, or the world's best administrator.