Sacred Minds: Navigating Mental Health in Ministry (Session II)

July 28, 2025 | by NBA Cares

As a part of NBA’s Mental Health and Wellness Program’s clergy care focus this summer, the Sacred Minds: Navigating Mental Health in Ministry series is designed to open space for honest reflection, conversation and resources to support the emotional and mental well-being on those who lead and serve in ministry.  This two-part series is led by Cameron Cunningham, NBA’s Mental Health & Wellness Program Coordinator. Session I can be viewed here; Session II can be found below.

Session II

Description

Ministry doesn’t have to be lonely. After naming the emotional toll of ministry in Session 1, this session shifts from awareness to action. We explore how clergy and faith leaders can begin to build sustainable, supportive, and stigma-free cultures of care for themselves and those they serve. This session offers practical, sacred tools for long-term wellness in ministry. 

In the video, we explore: 

  • Peer support networks as tools to combat isolation 
  • Mental health training and resource access for clergy 
  • Creating open, stigma-free conversations in churches 
  • Sacred boundaries and self-care practices rooted in Scripture 

Session II Video

Guided Reflection: Sacred Sabbath Visioning  

Prompt 1: “If I honored Sabbath deeply and regularly, I would feel more ___.” 

Prompt 2: “To move toward that vision, It will require me to let go of _____ and begin ____.” 

This reflective exercise helps participants internalize the sacredness of rest as a necessary part of their spiritual life and leadership sustainability. 

Wellness Action Items 

These small practical actions can build momentum toward a long-term culture of care. 

  • Start or join a monthly clergy peer call (virtual or local) 
  • Design a personal 7-day mini-Sabbath plan 
  • Commit to fully focusing on mental health and wellness at least once this quarter 
  • Place a “rest practice” in your annual ministry calendar (Sabbath Month, A Week of No Meetings, Silent Sunday) 
  • Create a clergy covenant for care with your staff/team