Wisconsin clergy: we want to hear from you! In summer 2020 we completed a groundbreaking survey of pastors in our state, exploring their ministry experiences during the time of COVID and uncovering the significant stressors in their (your) practice of ministry during the pandemic. We’re now conducting a followup, asking similar questions, and expanding to new topics which are pertinent to the evolving circumstances we find ourselves in.
All respondents have the opportunity to have their responses remain confidential. You can choose from several clear options before you close out the survey. These include giving us no personally identifying information; giving us personally identifying information but asking us to keep it internal to our analysis; giving us that information but asking us to redact personally identifying details when we share outlines or composite situations; or giving us full permission to share your responses and your individual story. If there’s something in particular you’re concerned about, there’s room to tell us in the comments.
Your responses are critical to our efforts to understand and quantify the impact of the pandemic on clergy and churches; and curate resources to assist with toxic stress and trauma which can affect many dimensions of health, as well as vocational health – our ability to continue in ministry.
We estimate that it is possible to complete this survey in 15 minutes or less. If you are a person who composes long answers in comment fields, it may take you a bit longer.
You do not need to be part of a WCC member tradition to respond to the survey. Those who intend to participate should have responsibility for gathering a faith community in Wisconsin – either as clergy, or a layperson in a community which is entirely lay led.
The spring 2021 clergy survey will be open until May 1st, at this link. Please feel free to forward to friends and colleagues in Wisconsin. We are seeking broad participation!
