HOW TO ENRICH CLERGY FRIENDS
Studies confirm what clergy know. Loneliness is one of the realities of ministry. By the nature of ministry, friendships within the congregation always confront the barriers of confidentiality. You often know things you cannot discuss, and you feel deeply about things you cannot talk about. It is ironic that a faith built on the core principle of loving each other places its spiritual leaders apart. While other clergy might seem to be natural sources of support, both time constraints and the inherent competitiveness of our churches often create their own barriers.
What if your judicatory could take an action that would both interrupt the experience of loneliness among colleagues and be a powerful expression of the faith? Consider a simple action that clergy could take that might be both fun and powerful.
HAVE SOME FUN
Acknowledge that this is an experiment but suggest some clergy try the following and share the results with the judicatory.
Have your selected clergy choose three to five other clergy for this experience. Pick at least one from another denomination, one from another city, maybe one that they don’t know very well, and a couple with whom they are better acquainted.
Each of them will write those they selected a personal letter expressing thanks for his or her ministry. If you can be specific about an aspect of ministry that is best—I hear good things about your pastoral skills, you have a reputation for taking courageous stands, you have built a strong couples ministry, etc. What you are doing is thanking them for the way their gifts strengthen the church.
A SECOND SURPRISE
Now comes a second surprise. Write something like:
“I am enclosing a ten-dollar bill that is to be spent exclusively on yourself. You can go to a movie, have a hot-fudge sundae, buy a paperback just to enjoy. Spend it however you wish except it should be just to indulge yourself in an act of self-love.
As you experience this self-loving act, know that God loves you, and your ministry is appreciated, consider doing something similar for another clergy colleague.
While such a gesture will cost you a little, I can assure you that it is fun just anticipating people’s response.”
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