50 Years of Burnout Studies: What has Changed in Clergy Wellbeing?

Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Responses for Australian Churches and Denominations in 2026

Spiritual Development of Pastors and Church Leaders Spiritual Development of Pastors and Church Leaders Dr Ian Duncum Church Health Ecosystem Series | Post 13 A church can have a clear vision, capable staff, sound governance and a full calendar—and still be neglecting something foundational: the spiritual development of the people leading it. We expect pastors to preach faithfully, care compassionately, lead wisely and help others grow in Christ. We expect elders and ministry

Part 12: The Forgotten Foundation: Why Effective Supervision Must Be A Church Health Priority Let me start with some numbers that should trouble all of us. Recent research shows that between 35-40% of pastors leave ministry within the first five years. Over 70% regularly consider leaving. A 2022 Barna study found 42% of pastors were seriously considering leaving full-time ministry altogether. In Australia, a 2024 survey showed 53% of clergy had considered leaving the professi

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 11: Theological Conservatism and Church Health

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 10: Pastoral Development

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 9: Focus Resources on the Middle Third of Churches

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 8: Facilitate healthy monocultural & multicultural churches, & all churches to transition, partner and outreach all cultures

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 7: Denominational Policies Denominational health is not just about theology and spirituality; it is also about policies that keep churches honest about viability, stewardship, and mission. In a healthy ecosystem, closure thresholds, distinctions between financial and ministry viability, rules about asset use, and the refusal to subsidise long‑term decline all work together to prevent slow, quiet collapse and to free resources f

Part 6: RESOURCE CHURCHES TO PLANT AND REPLANT CHURCHES

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 5: Focus denominational leadership on leading health rather than merely being a service provider to churches

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part4: Treat Pastors Fairly & Empower them for Ministry and Local Mission

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem Part 3: A MULTIPLICATION MINDSET

Building a Thriving Church Health Ecosystem: Key Components for Denominations to Foster Vitality Part 1

Christmas means hope. God's offer of friendship is not merely a consolation in the face of evil and suffering. It is the sure hope of a self and a world that will be transformed.

A church should respond to a terror event in the wider community by combining clear pastoral care, wise public communication, trauma‑aware practices, and a sustained commitment to peacemaking and justice.

England persisting with Bazball despite clear data, media analysis, and fan feedback looks very similar to a declining church refusing to act on obvious signs of trouble.