A reflection from conversations with people in ministry, who have contacted the central pastoral support team, is a regret they did not access support provisions earlier.
A common question we are asked by providers of support is “how do we encourage people who need support to access it?” There are lots of opportunities for support and development but the uptake in some cases is low.
The puzzlement is likely because so many have remarked about how distinctly difficult life is at the moment for those in ministry. As one person recently reflected “the slog of the last few years has led to a lethargy which makes seeking help more difficult.”
It is not easy, when you are in a prolonged period of ‘survival mode’, to pause and reflect on the sustainability of what you are doing and to reach out for help.
Articles like this are an opportunity to reiterate that if you are struggling, or indeed if you have a colleague in ministry you are concerned about, please know that you can reach out for a confidential discussion with someone who will listen and try to offer some practical steps forward to help.
Those in ministry, have access to a wide range of support provisions and the pastoral support team are available to answer questions and offer advice depending on your particular context.
It may be, for example, you are struggling with your own mental health, or have a practical worry that you don’t know how solve… you may be in a difficult conflict within the Church, or you may have a concern about a member of your family… or you may just feel that you do not have all the tools you need to navigate what is in front of you.
For those who have expressed regret at the length of time it took them to reach out, there is also usually a palpable sense of relief about having a new outlet, a new perspective or a new support strategy to help them carry on.
If any of this applies to you, or a colleague, please know that we are available and ready to help.
For a confidential conversation please contact pastoralsupport@churchofscotland.org.uk or you can email or call Ally Mooney, Pastoral Support Clinical Lead, directly amooney@churchofscotland.org.uk and 0131 376 4139.