Clergy Well-Being Survey Results
Research-driven insights from clergy on health and well-being
Overview
Wespath shares research and findings that reflect the real experiences of United Methodist clergy. These surveys help illuminate trends in health and well-being while supporting conversations across the Church about how to care for those who serve.
Over the past decade, survey results have shown shifts across multiple dimensions of clergy well-being. The most recent findings offer updated insights alongside historical context.
2025 Clergy Well-Being Survey
The latest survey reflects both areas of stabilization and ongoing concern across several dimensions of clergy well-being, especially when compared with broader benchmarks.
Explore the latest findings:
Wespath-Sponsored Clergy Well-Being Studies
Wespath provides trusted research and information about health trends in the UMC and across the United States that are applicable to clergy health concerns. The resources below include Wespath-sponsored clergy health studies, denominational/clergy health studies from expert external sources and health and wellness-industry information related to clergy health.
Previous Clergy Well-Being Survey Results
Wespath has conducted clergy well-being research for more than a decade, providing snapshots of trends over time.
View prior surveys:
External Clergy Well-Being Studies
These studies from external partners contribute additional insights into clergy health and ministry realities.
Duke University Clergy Well-Being Research:
- 2008–2023 Statewide Survey of United Methodist Clergy in North Carolina summary report
- Literature review on job satisfaction (Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health and the Lewis Center for Church Leadership)
- Seminary to Early Ministry Study
- Journal Articles
- The State of Clergy Wellbeing in 2023
Broader Clergy Health Research
Additional denominational and academic studies provide context on clergy health, family life and ministry dynamics.
- Clergy Spouses and Families in The United Methodist Church (General Commission on the Status and Role of Women)
- Clergy Age Trends in The United Methodist Church (Lewis Center for Church Leadership)
- Cracking the Stained Glass Ceiling: The Lead Women Pastors Project
Related Clergy Resources
Seminary Student Well-Being Survey
Church Systems Task Force Research and Findings
Coping with Appointment Changes and Relocation Stress
Stress and Clergy Health
Thirteen Factors that Influence Clergy Health and The Five Dimensions of Well-Being
Attribution and Use
Some studies are the property of Wespath and are provided as resources for those working to improve clergy health and well-being. Before quoting these materials in published content, please contact wellnessteam@wespath.org with details about how the information will be used.