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Q: Briefly share your journey of becoming a clin- ical psychologist who has a heart for supporting church workers. A: My earliest academic experience at Concordia Milwaukee taught me that I loved a Christian college— every professor was a pastor! I completed my under- graduate work at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, where I loved going to chapel every morning. At the time, I was a speech major. Thereafter, my master's degree in rhetorical theory from Purdue acquainted me with the power of language and tools of communica- tion. Nothing could have been more useful in equip- ping me for the work I would do for a lifetime. Q: Share more about your heart for specifically supporting church workers in their vocations; why is this important to you? A: Concordia Milwaukee hired me to teach speech and English. I discovered that I loved to teach—I had never considered such a thing. I was grateful that at the tender age of twenty-five, God had brought me to a place of service that delighted me. Many of my students were preparing for vocations as pastors and teachers. As students began to share their personal lives and struggles, I wanted to do more to help them than simply listen. I continued working in the classroom and completed my PhD in psychology. After I began teaching psychology at Concordia, I received a sabbat- ical, completed my clinical internship, and was licensed as a psychologist. Shortly thereafter, I began an out- patient mental health clinic in Milwaukee. I named it Christian Counseling Services. In retrospect, every early experience had prepared me to serve the ser- vants. I then spent nearly twenty-five years serving pastors, teachers, and their families in my role as a clinical psychologist. Countless pastors and church workers taught me about the joys as well as the chal- lenges of serving in the Church. I cared deeply about these people, knowing that many of them routinely made significant personal sacrifices in their vocations as pastors and teachers. An ever-increasing number of pastors came to my private practice. I saw weary clergy; clergy doing battle with their assistants or associates; clergy who were burning out; and clergy who had the traditional family challenges in their roles as husband, father, and son. I saw clergy whose lay leaders treated them poorly—or whose congregations didn't respect the Office of the Holy Ministry and whose expectations for their pastor were unrealistic. The hours not filled by pastors were filled by their wives and children, as well as teachers. I began doing regional and district conferences for educators and clergy, sharing what I had learned about wellness, faith- fulness, God's remarkable gifts, and discipleship. Q: What are some of the unique dynamics of sup- porting church workers in their vocations? A: Every pastor needs a pastor. Lay leaders who sup- port the pastor and his family are vital to their pastor's well-being. Parish members often have great respect and affection for their pastors, but sometimes have dif- ficulty setting reasonable expectations for the work that he does. Many parishioners simply may not realize the number of hours a pastor spends caring for his parish- ioners. When lay leaders work effectively with their pastor, they assist their church to accomplish all sorts of tasks, they work collaboratively on parish planning, and they also ensure that the pastor's needs for his family's well-being and financial stability are honored. My work with DOXOLOGY routinely invites lay leaders to attend a weekend retreat with their pastor. Congregations need to understand some essential con- cepts if they are to support their pastor, his family, and their church. The weekend retreat examines the mis- sion of the Church and the Office of the Holy Ministry, Lutheran identity, faithful mission, the challenges of a post-Christian culture, caring for one's pastor and his family, and stewardship, as well as ensuring that lay leaders and pastors discuss and share reasonable expectations for ministry. Q: An October 2021 Barna study found that 38 percent of U.S. pastors (not LCMS-exclusive) are on the verge of burnout. What counsel would you give to a church worker who's feeling discouraged or tired in ministry? A: DOXOLOGY has personal and professional strate- gies. Many also took the opportunity to have personal consultations and to receive individual spiritual care. We pray that pastors will never feel the need to bear burdens alone. I've been so privileged to receive so much from so many throughout the years, and I'm grateful to count- less souls who have taught me so many things. I regard it as a privilege to have the opportunity to continue to serve the servants. • Lutheran Life 17

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