The fifth and final panel survey report for a decade-long research programme into how Church of England clergy can flourish in ministry is published today.
Findings from responses provided by 500 clergy, from groups ordained in 2006, 2011 and 2015 or who entered training in 2016, are published in the Living Ministry research programme report Lord, for the Years.
The study also includes a wider analysis of responses from more than 1,000 clergy from these four groups who have taken part in the research since 2017, considering how their wellbeing has changed over the course of this period.
The Living Ministry programme has focused on the five interrelated areas of wellbeing: physical and mental wellbeing, relationships, spiritual and vocational wellbeing, financial and material wellbeing and participation in the life of the Church.
A further report, presenting analysis of the final set of qualitative interviews and focus groups in the longitudinal study, will be published around the end of 2026.
The Rev Dr Fiona Tweedie, co-author of the report, said: “Away from the headlines, the Living Ministry survey research offers a glimpse into the experiences of hundreds of clergy across the Church of England.
“Their ministry is demanding yet vocational fulfilment is high. Being part of the Living Ministry panel takes time, and we are grateful to all those who have completed even one of the surveys.
“We hope that Lord, for the Years collates and amplifies these voices and that it offers invaluable insight into the wellbeing of clergy at different stages of ministry over the past eight years.”
Dr Liz Graveling Fox, who heads the Living Ministry programme, and is co author of the report, said: “I am immensely grateful to the hundreds of clergy who have taken the time to share their experiences this year and throughout the Living Ministry research.
“Lord, for the Years provides a compelling view of how wellbeing has shifted for different groups of clergy over nearly a decade and reminds us of the importance of taking care of those who have devoted their lives to God’s service.”
Read the report here: