The Duke Clergy Health Collaborative (formerly the Clergy Health Initiative and the Religion and Social Change Lab) translates original research into shared resources that help United Methodist clergy in North Carolina—and beyond—serve well and be well at the same time.
Since 2007, we have been partnering with United Methodist clergy in North Carolina—and, more recently, seminarians at Duke Divinity School—to research their well-being. Our vision is simple but big: pastors who are rooted in reality, connected to their humanity, and resourced in their calling.
Central to our mission is identifying, testing, and promoting evidence-based resources that are collaborative in their approach. This means we work closely with key stakeholders—both internal and external to our team—to disseminate content that is highly responsive to the theological, psychological, and practical needs of pastors.
Our work is funded by The Duke Endowment, which has a special focus on serving rural United Methodist Church clergy in North Carolina and is led by Principal Investigators Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, PhD, and David Eagle, PhD.
Who We Serve:
- UMC clergy and denominational leaders in NC
- Duke Divinity School students, staff & faculty
- Congregational leaders across North America
- Researchers in religion, psychology, and sociology
- Practitioners who care for clergy and their well-being
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES TO SUPPORT seminarian and CLERGY WELL-BEING
We know how much ministry leaders pour their heart and soul into caring for others. But here's the thing: we believe when they care for themselves, they're better equipped to care for their communities. That's why we're dedicated to sharing research, resources, and stories designed to prevent burnout and seed flourishing in ministry. Along the way, we want to ensure that seminarians and clergy know they're not alone, which is why we advocate for their well-being alongside fellow clergy, denominational officials, and allied organizations. Let's join forces to achieve wholeness in ministry together.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Our work is made possible thanks to the generous time of our research participants and the generous funding of The Duke Endowment.