Press Release: Rev. Dr. Jill Buckler Joins Wespath to Advance Clergy and Church Well-Being
Glenview, IL — August 11, 2026 — Wespath is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Jill Buckler has joined the organization as Manager, Systemic Well-Being, where she will help lead the development of collaborative denomination-wide strategies to advance the holistic well-being of those who serve The United Methodist Church (UMC). Rev. Dr. Jill’s deep experience as a pastor, licensed mental health counselor, and researcher of clergy well-being uniquely positions her to strengthen partnerships and initiatives that support clergy and lay workers across the denomination.
In her role, Rev. Dr. Jill will collaborate with annual conferences, Church leaders, general agencies and other United Methodist stakeholders to identify opportunities to influence systemic changes within the UMC to create an environment more supportive of the emotional, spiritual, physical, relational and financial well-being for those who serve the Church. She will also help guide data-informed initiatives, leadership development efforts and strategic partnerships designed to foster a culture of well-being throughout the Church.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Jill to Wespath into this new role,” said Kelly Wittich, Managing Director, Health and Welfare Plans. “Her deep understanding of the needs facing clergy and Church leaders, combined with her experience in counseling, ministry and clergy well-being research, will be invaluable as we continue our work to support those who serve the Church. And having someone in the denomination specifically devoted to examining the way our Church systems influence the well-being of our pastors is critical.”
Prior to joining Wespath, Rev. Dr. Jill worked as a psychotherapist and marriage counselor in private practice and served United Methodist congregations in several pastoral roles. Her ministry experience includes serving across Indiana at Fishers UMC, Carmel UMC, Milledgeville UMC and Cumberland UMC. She also currently serves as Chair of the Order of Deacons for the Indiana Conference and as a member of the Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry executive team.
Rev. Dr. Jill’s academic work has focused extensively on clergy well-being. She earned a Doctor of Ministry degree and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Christian Theological Seminary, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. Her doctoral research examined systemic factors affecting clergy health and well-being, utilizing Wespath data and a Wesleyan theological framework to better understand barriers to positive health outcomes among pastors.
“I am so excited about this new position and diving into this important work,” said Rev. Dr. Jill Buckler. “Throughout my ministry and counseling career, I have seen the importance of supporting the whole person. I look forward to working with Church leaders and colleagues across the denomination to strengthen the well-being of those who serve and to help cultivate health throughout our connectional system.”
The Systemic Well-Being Manager position is partially funded by a subgrant from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as part of their larger grant to support clergy leadership and education from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Media Contact:
Christina Tincher
Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-5293
ctincher@wespath.org
About Wespath Benefits and Investments
Wespath is a not-for-profit agency that has been serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) for over a century. In accordance with its fiduciary duties, Wespath administers benefit plans and, together with its subsidiaries, including Wespath Institutional Investments, invests $27.8 billion in assets on behalf of over 100,000 participants and over 170 institutions (as of December 31, 2025). Wespath invests in a sustainable manner that seeks to achieve positive financial, social and environmental impact while upholding the values of the UMC. Wespath maintains one of the largest faith-based pension funds in the world. For additional information about Wespath, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.