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

June 30, 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 found below; Session II will be released on July 28, 2025.

Session I

Description

The work of ministry is sacred, but it can also be extremely heavy in responsibility and task.  This module opens the Sacred Minds: Navigating Mental Health in Ministry series by naming the silent emotional toll that ministry can take on those called to serve. Drawing from national data and personal witness this session invites clergy and spiritual caregivers into honest reflection and collective healing. 

In the video, we explore: 

  • Current statistics on clergy mental health  
  • The weight of ministry (emotional burden, stigma, and silence) 
  • Key risk factors for clergy (loneliness, financial instability, unrealistic expectations) 
  • A personal testimony on faith and mental health 

Session I Video

Quick Facts  

Did you know:

  1. 18% of U.S. pastors have seriously considered self-harm or suicide in the past year. 
  1. Pastors who feel isolated are 2.5x more likely to have suicidal thoughts. 
  1. Full-time employed pastors report significantly lower levels of mental distress. 
  1. Stigma remains one of the largest barriers to help-seeking behavior in clergy. 

Clergy Self-Check

Rate yourself 1–5 (1 = Not at all true | 5 = Very true) 

  • I have someone I can speak to honestly about how I’m doing. 
  • I feel emotionally supported in my current ministry role. 
  • I have a consistent self-care practice that nurtures my well-being. 
  • I know where to find professional mental health support if needed. 
  • My congregation or leadership supports mental wellness as a priority. 

Reflection

What’s one area you’d like to grow in?