How Clergy Thrive

The Living Ministry project is a ten-year programme by the Church of England to better understand what enables clergy – stipendiary, self-supporting and chaplains – to flourish, both in terms of personal wellbeing and effectiveness in their role. This booklet is the result of inviting clergy to reflect on their vocation and ministry experience in five areas:•Calling to priesthood•Institutional identity•Shape of ministry•Places and posts•Tasks of ministryDrawing on this research, How Clergy Thrive offers significant insights into the factors that allow priestly ministry to flourish, the pressures and challenges that hinder it, and the training programmes that will be needed for the future. It gives an accurate portrayal of lived clergy experience in the Church of England today that will be essential reading for all involved in clergy selection,training and support, and will give priests invaluable insights into the dynamics of their work.