We are listening

We want to listen. We want to understand. We want to learn what the stories are telling us. And we want to help the Church respond in healthier ways.

church hurt survey click here

Who We Are Looking For?

Pastors
Missionaries
Ministry Leaders
Church Staff
Ministry Spouses
MKs/PKs
Former Ministry Leaders

Our Process

Three Years • Two Major Phases

PHASE 1

Questionnaire
A broad exploration of the experiences of clergy, ministry leaders, and their families.

PHASE 2

Personal Interviews
An opportunity for selected participants to share more deeply about their experiences, challenges, wounds, support systems, and pathways toward healing.

Support

Pray for wisdom, integrity, protection, and for every leader and family who participates.

Together, we can help strengthen, equip, and restore those who serve the Church.

Our Commitment

This study is guided by humility, prayerfulness, and a sincere desire to serve the Church and those whom God has called to serve.

Guided by Humility and Prayer: This study is guided by humility, prayerfulness, and a sincere desire to serve both the Church and those whom God has called to serve on the front lines of ministry.
Rooted in Love for the Church:  This study is rooted in a deep love for the Church as the body of Christ—precious to God and worthy of intentional care, stewardship, and support across denominations.
Focused on Strengthening the Church:  This study seeks to identify meaningful patterns that may help strengthen the spiritual, relational, and organizational health of the Church.
Committed to Careful Listening:  This study seeks to listen carefully to individual experiences of church hurt without presuming conclusions, minimizing pain, or assigning blame.
Honoring Every Participant : This study is committed to honoring the dignity, voice, story, and confidentiality of every participant.
Equipping Leaders and Communities:  This study is intended to equip churches and their leaders with insights that can support healthier ministry environments and stronger communities of faith.
Serving Healing and Restoration:  This study ultimately aims to serve the Church by offering insight that supports healing, unity, and Christ-centered restoration.

WHAT WE ARE EXPLORING

Emotional & Spiritual Preparedness

How personal emotional and spiritual processing may affect a minister's experience of loneliness and church hurt.

Support Systems

How mentoring, counseling, friendships, and healthy relationships within the Church contribute to resilience.

Ministry Demands

The impact of congregational expectations, administrative responsibilities, pastoral care, availability, and leadership responsibilities.

Family Dynamics

How the demands of ministry affect spouses and children—and what contributes to family strength and resilience.

Leadership & Authority

How relationships with authority figures and church structures can affect the emotional health of ministry leaders.

Healing & Restoration

What practices, resources, and ministry approaches can help wounded ministers and families move toward healing.