““A first-of-its-kind study using a Black clergy wellness conference to spark a movement for healthier, longer-lasting ministry leadership.” ”
The Black Chaplains Rock Clergy Mental Wellness Conference is a groundbreaking gathering dedicated to equipping African American chaplains and clergy with the tools, community, and strategies to sustain their mental and spiritual health. This Pastoral Study Project will use the 2026 conference as a living laboratory to explore effective, culturally relevant approaches to clergy wellness. Through pre- and post-conference surveys, participant interviews, and observation, I will assess the event’s impact on reducing burnout, fostering resilience, and strengthening vocational sustainability. Insights will be synthesized into a practical resource toolkit and shared through articles, workshops, and online platforms to benefit pastors, chaplains, and church leaders across North America. By centering the voices and experiences of Black clergy, this project addresses an urgent pastoral challenge and offers the wider church actionable strategies to support those who serve on the front lines of ministry.