The Support That Ministry Leaders Need with Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman

Pastors today are navigating a complex, demanding, and often
overwhelming landscape. Beyond the pulpit, they're expected to
show up as counselors, administrators, fundraisers, teachers,
building caretakers—and more. Some research even suggests pastors
are carrying the weight of 13 different roles. It’s no wonder so
many feel stretched thin, exhausted, and alone.


Today, Rachael and Dan sit down with Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman,
Associate Director of the Center for Transforming Engagement, to
name the often-unseen burdens pastors and ministry leaders
carry—and to explore what it means to create space for care,
support, and more sustainable leadership.


Whether you're a pastor, a ministry leader, or someone who walks
alongside and loves one, this episode offers a deeply human
invitation: to reflect on how we care for ourselves, our leaders,
and our communities.


You’ll find honest stories, thoughtful wisdom, and tangible
practices for cultivating resilience—not by striving harder, but
by rooting more deeply in connection: with God, with others, and
with the truth that we were never meant to carry it all
alone.


Related Resources:




Feeling overwhelmed or isolated in ministry? You’re not
alone. The Center for Transforming Engagement offers tools,
support, and community to help you rediscover joy, build
resilience, and lead with lasting impact. Find program
offerings and resources at transformingengagement.org and
find out more about Resilience Circles at
transformingengagement.org/circles. 




Self-Facilitated Resilience Retreat Guides: Download this
free series to focus on three key areas of resilience:
People, Practices, and Purpose. These mini-retreats are
flexible and self-paced, providing practical tools to
navigate life's challenges and strengthen your resilience.
Get your free guides at
transformingengagement.org/self-facilitated-resilience-retreat-guides.




Rose cites the work of Steven Sandage, a Boston University
School of Theology professor of psychology of religion and
theology, who has found rates of post-traumatic stress
disorder symptoms in clergy at levels higher than those in
post-deployment military personnel. You can read about that
work here:
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/why-are-so-many-religious-leaders-facing-stress-and-burnout/. 




Rose also recommends looking into the work of Abraham
Kuypter on public theology. Find more here:
https://lexhampress.com/Kuyper