One of my favourite books, that I’ve mentioned before, is Flourishing in Ministry by Matt Bloom. I think everyone who serves as a minister should read it - and I think it should be required reading for congregational leaders too. I think many of the concepts also translate to other areas of ministry leadership. I’d encourage you to check it out.

The book was the culmination of Matt Bloom’s work on the Flourishing in Ministry project which is now a website - https://flourishinginministry.org/

Over the past decade, the Flourishing in Ministry project has conducted extensive research involving more than 20,000 pastors, focusing on the well-being of clergy and their families. The study, led initially by Dr. Matt Bloom at the University of Notre Dame and now by Dr. Chris Adams at Biola University, investigates the factors that motivate pastors and priests to remain engaged in their ministry and the challenges that hinder their well-being.

The project aims to understand how clergy, often working with limited resources, can achieve fulfillment and growth in their roles. This research has led to the development of the Flourishing in Ministry Wellbeing Model, designed to support the health of church leaders.

• Over a decade of research with 20,000+ pastors.

• Focus on clergy well-being and family health.

• Exploration of motivation and disruptions in ministry.

• Development of the Wellbeing Model for clergy.

• Led by Dr. Matt Bloom and now Dr. Chris Adams.

• Part of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative at Biola University.

• Provides resources and services based on latest research to help church leaders thrive.

The core message of Flourishing in Ministry is that the well-being of church leaders is crucial for the health of the church, reflecting a deep care for both the leaders and their congregations.

More recently, Flourishing In Ministry announced a free tool to help ministry leaders flourish in their ministry and improve their wellbeing. At the moment, they are encouraging people to sign up for the assessment by joining their waiting list. You can do so here.