Clergy husbands, clergy couples, working spouses, single ministers, even gays and lesbians in ministry enrich the tapestry of parsonage life. What remains constant is the fact that now as in the past, the lives of clergy families are not easy. Using insights from family therapy and wisdom from clergy wives of old, we can begin to create a new understanding of the perils and possibilities of life in clergy families. Congregations in Transition. When a clergyperson leaves, the congregation enters a transition that can be both frightening and fruitful.
Every congregation is unique, yet common patterns and relationships emerge again and again.
Multiple Relationships in Ministry. Clergy in our time are called upon to serve as counselors, executives, healers, social activists, and personal friends. Not surprisingly, one of the greatest sources of stress for clergy is the dual or multiple relationship. One person may be both a counselee and congregation treasurer, or want the clergyperson to serve both as an authority and peer. Knowing how multiple relationships cause stress, and how to simplify them, can help clergy to be more effective and less exhausted.