Episcopal clergy spend years in rigorous preparation—spiritual direction, psychotherapy, mentoring, education, community formation, and hands-on experience—before stepping into the profound role of leading a faith community. Yet, standing beside them is often someone who has received none of this training but whose life is equally shaped by the spiritual challenges of their spouse’s vocation.

Supporting and uplifting clergy spouses and partners is crucial for fostering strong personal relationships and building robust support networks for clergy in their spiritual leadership roles. The Partner’s Path is one organization dedicated to this vital work.

Through listening to the stories of hundreds of men and women navigating the complex role of clergy spouse, The Partner’s Path has identified three key spiritual challenges and developed resources to address these challenges. Despite the diverse backgrounds of those engaged, our research shows that those who successfully embrace this unique calling do so by engaging with and overcoming these three critical spiritual dilemmas.

In this workshop, hosted by the Episcopal Parish Network, panelists will share their research, discuss the identified spiritual challenges, and explore practical ways to overcome them. While these challenges are inherent to clergy spouses, they also offer valuable insights for anyone seeking spiritual maturity and lifelong wholeness. Whether you are a clergy spouse/partner or not, you’ll find this discussion relevant and enriching.

Register here.

Panelists Include:

• Laura Jackson – Executive Director, The Partner’s Path; Evanston, Illinois

• Charles Zaucha – Board President, The Partner’s Path & Convener, Diocese of Chicago Chapter; Woodstock, Illinois

• Ellen Prall – Clergy Spouse, Grace Episcopal Church; Freeport, Illinois

• Eli Harlan – Clergy Spouse, The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity (The American Cathedral in Paris); Paris, France