National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen

07/18/2026

A pastor has reached out to me for prayers. She has a difficult Session meeting coming up(harassment of a popular staff member by an unpopular one and the leadership are favoring the popular one). Her husband has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Her nephew has had a mental breakdown. A leader she loved died suddenly. She’s in a rural area and doesn’t have much support from her presbytery (Her EP told her to “hang in there, “ and promised to “pray for a miracle” for her husband). This pastor feels dispirited and is exhausted.

She reads this page but was reluctant to post herself (she was fine that I posted).

Don’t we know something about ministry in such times?

Please hold her in prayer.

UPDATE: This clergy sister wrote this to me on Sunday: “I’m still struggling to get my footing . . . but until I read these comments, I think I was questioning my coping skills. I am so grateful for each prayer and the helpful suggestions. It gave me the push to discuss it with my husband whom I thought it was unfair to burden, given his own situation. But he saw this as validation of our relationship, rather than my being solely a potential caretaker. I’ve applied for a leave in the Fall. (A colleague) I reached out to found me an online therapist. Thank you. I can’t tell you how much all of you have helped. You are answers to prayers I didn’t know how to make.”

If any of you are struggling today, you’re not alone. Help is available beyond “hang in there.” Some of us can offer intercessory prayers, some practical suggestions, and other support. Don’t hesitate to draw from the lived wisdom, the love that connects us, the experience that only we share as clergy sisters that can serve as support when the path gets rocky or the road seems too long. God has given us each other.

I give thanks for that gift - which I need to draw from more myself! Thank you, to all who responded here and all who simply offered prayer.

06/12/2026

Based on personal experiences and/or conversations with other clergywomen, what challenges seem to be in the forefront today? It could be related to our work or personal lives.

I’m hearing exhaustion, burnout (some relation there) and worry about retirement (especially among single clergy).

05/25/2026

I’m not sure what us going on, but in the past 2 or 3 weeks, clergywomen, mostly Presbyterian, have reached out to me because of personal issues or issues related to their ministry that are making them uncomfortable or causing them anxiety or distress. Many say they are feeling disrespected by their communities. Some believe leaders in the church they serve are working to make problems for them, a lot of it secretly. Some are feeling exhausted by the level of expectations that are placed upon them that congregants seem to think is reasonable.

A couple of retired clergywomen I spoke to about this said “it’s always been that way, especially for women. I’m not sure this generation of women is up to handling it.”
Another added, “it could be a combination of ‘they’re not willing to take it’ and ‘they expect the world to accommodate them more.’ We knew to complain would make us look weak. And we had lower expectations of how we would be treated so we were better able to put up with it and not let it stop us from doing the ministry God called us to.”

I had my own responses, but I’m really interested in yours.

And how are you doing??

EDITED to add: please note, this is Elaine Connolly speaking. I wanted to hear what you have to say or teach me but I’m not presuming to speak for my clergy sisters on the Board of NAPC.

04/17/2026

Thanks for this good article, Beth!

DECATUR, Georgia — “With a gentle breath, he conferred spirit onto his disciples, who became the guardians of that spirit through the ministry of Christ’s church.”

04/16/2026

Our Chaplain the Rev. Susan Barnes led a group of us in stole making. She brought pre-cut squares, helped us form our designs, and will put them together and mail them to us. A gift of her time, talent, and treasure which we will always treasure.

04/16/2026

Having our Business Meeting this afternoon. A lot to be decided. Please keep us in prayer. And maybe offer up a prayer for Prezzie (USA) women everywhere. These are difficult times and we face different challenges. Yet, we bring different gifts for such a time as this.

Then do something that feeds your spirit (deep breaths, cat video, prayer, a nap, a conversation with someone who makes you laugh or affirms you - whatever Holy Spirit places in you to do).

04/15/2026

We are just about half way into our gathering. We’ve been blessed with Worship that feeds our souls and urges us to levels of engagement that take into account our tired bodies and minds. We’ve had speakers who understand our challenges and gifts as clergywomen, and Workshops that educate and inspire us. We are clergywomen talking and hugging and praying and sharing and rejoicing in each other.

Pray for us. We are praying for you.

03/15/2026

If you’re attending the NAPC conference (April 14-17, 2026 in Decatur, GA), the registration deadline is March 31.

But March 22 is the last day we can order meals. After that, we can’t make food accommodations. Please register asap.

It will be a special time for all of us.

03/02/2026

Looking foward to reconnecting with clergywomen next month! Registration still open!

Save the date! NAPC National Gathering is April 14-17, 2026 at COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY in Decatur, Georgia! https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2026/2/10/national-association-clergywomen-gather-columbia-seminary-april-14-17?fbclid=IwdGRjcAP6m7JjbGNrA_qboWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHl-hx7t90xUnIFDygJRU5QK7nocrG5vHLvsLGzbyDXcaQvuT73yJOVmUv3yY_aem_cnQCBC7ijHAMT4LBA0Q_MA

02/10/2026

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2026/2/10/national-association-clergywomen-gather-columbia-seminary-april-14-17

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