The SHIFT Leadership Program Celebrates 3 Years Impacting Pastoral Well-being
In this fast-paced and demanding world of pastoral ministry, clergy well-being is paramount. The pressures of leadership, the emotional toll of caring for others, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities can all take a toll on those called to serve in pastoral roles. Recognizing the need for support and growth in this area, the SHIFT program, funded by the Lilly Endowment, began in 2020 as a transformative initiative to focus on enhancing pastoral well-being through self-awareness.
The SHIFT program is a unique and innovative approach to pastoral development that seeks to empower clergy to cultivate self-awareness, deepen pastoral imagination, and enhance pastoral agency in ministry. Through a series of mentoring cohorts, participants have engaged in reflective practices, explored their personal and vocational narratives, and developed the skills, insights, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of pastoral leadership with grace and resilience.
Central to the success of the SHIFT program are the mentoring cohorts and small peer groups of clergy leaders who come together to support and challenge one another in their journey of self-awareness and growth. These cohorts provide a safe and nurturing space for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, offer insights, and receive feedback from their peers and mentors. Through this intentional community of practice, participants build deep connections, foster mutual accountability, and experience the transformative power of shared learning and reflection.
Dr. Cynthia Parnell McDonald, SHIFT Program Project Director, shares her insights, “At the heart of the SHIFT program is the belief that having access to exemplar pastors throughout our connectional church through mentoring while having the peer support of colleagues is the cornerstone of healthy and effective pastoral leadership. By cultivating a brave, safe space for clergy to have real talk and support while cultivating a deep awareness of their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations, hearing the actual experiences of exemplar pastors and clergy through mentorship, clergy are better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in ministry. It is truly an awesome experience!”
Through a holistic approach that emphasizes self-awareness, mentoring cohorts, and support, the SHIFT program is transforming the way pastoral leaders engage with their calling, their communities, and their well-being. Dr. Parnell McDonald comments, “The SHIFT program is making a significant impact in pastoral well-being by equipping clergy and lay leaders with the tools, insights, and support they need to thrive in their vocations. As clergy in the 6th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church continue to seek opportunities for growth, support, and renewal in their ministry, we are very thankful for Bishop Reginald T. Jackson’s blessing to do this work. We celebrate the opportunity to stand as a beacon of hope and transformation in the journey toward flourishing and faithful leadership.”
