A key priority of the Alive Faith Network (AFN) is to raise awareness of the risks and signs of burnout and mental health challenges specific to pastors serving in low-resource communities. Through strategic programming and educational resources, the AFN partners with pastors to ensure their needs are cared for as they continue to serve the needs of their congregation.
- 38% of U.S. Pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry in the last year.
- 79% of lack Senior Pastors shared they feel burned out.
The Alive Faith Network works with an African American therapist who is also a faith leader to facilitate mental health sessions and support groups designed to help build mental resilience among pastors.
Our wellness program equips pastors with the practical tools they need as they cope with the overwhelming needs of their congregations. In addition, it also prepares them to destigmatize and normalize mental health issues among their congregations.
As the pastors channel their learning to their church members, this program will ultimately impact as many as 2,400 African Americans.
Our Mental Resilience Workshops include a trained African American therapist who provides practical support and the wellness tools needed for pastors to continue to steward a healthy community in body, mind, and spirit.
Our Clergy Listening Sessions provide an open and safe forum for pastors to share their needs and concerns with other local pastors in the community. The Alive Faith Network then utilizes the responses shared to create intentional resources that address the needs and concerns of the AFN pastoral community.
Each AFN Soul Care retreat offers Pastors and their Spouses an opportunity to relax and disconnect from the everyday demands of life. This multiple-day retreat is designed to encourage reconnection and rejuvenation for long-term health.
Our Lunch N’ Learn Conversations provide intentional tools and resources that address the needs of our clergy. Topics include Healthcare for Pastors, Financial Management Seminars, Retirement Planning, and more.
Photos from the 2022 Alive Faith Network Soul Care Retreat
