Supporting Wounded Ministers
In Times of Crisis
Ministering to Ministers (MTM) serves to advocate for spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and legal support for ministers in all faith groups who are experiencing a vocational crisis as a result of forced termination. A program of Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning, MTM aims to ensure that ministers receive the support they need to navigate their own personal crises and continue their important work with resilience and renewed hope.
GiveWhen a minister is involuntarily separated from a church, both minister and the church are wounded. Ministers and their families may experience spiritual, mental, and psychological stress.
In response to this need, a group of ministers and lay leaders in Richmond, Virginia, joined together to assist clergy in crisis after a forced termination. Established as an independent nonprofit in 1994, Ministering to Ministers (MTM) served ministers in all church groups and their families with counsel, prayer, and support in difficult situations. Dedicated volunteers, financial investments from churches and regional denominational bodies, and commitments from individual donors helped to grow programing into a wholistic offering designed to advocate for, reclaim, and equip ministers who had gone through vocational crisis.
In 2021, MTM joined the Center for Lifelong Learning, where it has served more than 130 clergy and their families. As the program has continued to grow and expand, Columbia Seminary remains committed to supporting ministers who find themselves in crisis situations. Today, Ministering to Ministers programs are supported by 17 program leaders and facilitators and 19 Friends for the Journey volunteers.
“Although it was difficult to hear so many colleagues have experienced similar upsetting situations in the church and in our service to God, I also felt so surrounded and uplifted by community. My spouse and I are both grateful for our experience.”
— A Wounded Ministers Retreat Participant
Ministering to Ministers
Denominations the clergy and their families served
Different US states and territories the program participants have reached
Locations throughout the Eastern US the Wounded Ministers Retreats were held
Wounded Ministers Retreats offer a relaxed atmosphere and confidential setting for healing and encouragement. The four-day retreat is led by competent and compassionate leaders who guide the journey toward wholeness and health. Each retreat provides opportunities for counsel, practical legal information, sharing, and rest, mindful of the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of participants. Participant size is limited to 12-15 participants to ensure both confidentiality and intimacy, and spouses are encouraged to join.
“Having a safe space and a sacred space to share my story with others who are on a similar journey was invaluable. The presence of others helped me to know I am not alone, and I am not beyond recovery.”
— A Wounded Ministers Retreat Participant
Ministering to Ministers is made possible through the generous philanthropic contributions of individuals, congregations, and denominational organizations from more than 27 states. Thank you to our donor whose financial contributions make it possible for this program to support ministers and their families during times of crisis.
“We came wounded and hurting from experiences in ministry. So it was wonderfully refreshing to be treated with such hospitality. I can't get over the fact that people have given so generously that we all could experience this without it being a financial burden to us. It would have been very difficult for us to have been able to afford the cost of the retreat at this time.”
— A Wounded Ministers Retreat Participant
