To those who are called to it, pastoral leadership is a vocation of unparalleled privilege. It is also an intensely relational vocation that exposes its practitioners to some of the most painful and damaged aspects of human life and community. As none of us are fully integrated, Pastoral Leaders almost inevitably find that their own vulnerability is exposed. While the BUV provides all sorts of resources for its Pastoral Leaders to maintain emotional, psychological and spiritual health, some Pastoral Leaders will find themselves carrying deeper wounds.
The Pastoral Recovery Process may be activated in these circumstances. Usually following an exit interview, recommended by a member of the Pastoral Leadership Support and Development team and approved by the BUV’s Leadership team, the Pastoral Recovery Process provides some financial support, releasing a Pastoral Leader for the need to immediately take up another pastoral appointment. A Pastoral Recovery Support Group then works with the Pastor in processes of support, counselling, spiritual renewal and learning that are tailor made for the Pastoral Leader concerned. The process also involves active discernment in terms of future vocation.
The Pastoral Recovery Process is available for BUV Accredited Pastoral Leaders, depending on what is discerned as best for the Pastoral Leader concerned and budget availability.
To find out more, please contact your Regional Pastor