Strengthening the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Tomorrow's Faith Leaders in Theological Education Settings
DESCRIPTION: On August 1, 2023, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships convened a meeting of experts: "Best Practices and Learning Collaborative for Theological Seminaries and Educational Institutions that Prepare Future Faith Leaders." In attendance were representatives from several ATS member schools (Boston University School of Theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University, Howard University School of Divinity, Moravian University School of Theology, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Pacific School of Religion, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary). Other ATS partner organizations were also mentioned in the report (In Trust Center for Theological Schools, Association of Leaders in Lifelong Learning for Ministry [ALLLM]). The resulting report examines the mental health and wellbeing challenges facing future faith leaders and the institutions that train them, identifying common stressors, stigma, and gaps in training and highlighting promising practices from seminaries, researchers, and community programs. The report closes with forward-looking recommendations for curriculum change, research opportunities, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
KEYWORDS: open access / free access; clergy burnout; conference proceedings; faith leaders; mental health; resource compendium; self-care; seminary training; theological education; well-being
CITATION: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. 2024. Strengthening the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Tomorrow's Faith Leaders in Theological Educational Settings. HHS. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/partnership-center-strengthening-the-mental-hand-wellbeing-of-tomorrows-faith-leaders.pdf.
