Why do Clergy Stay? Investigating the Nature of Contemporary Clergy Work and Retention, with a Focus on Mainstream and Church-Specific Resilience Training

Why do Clergy Stay? Investigating the Nature of Contemporary Clergy Work and Retention, with a Focus on Mainstream and Church-Specific Resilience Training

This study examines the persistent phenomenon of clergy retention within Australia, interrogating the multifaceted nature of contemporary clergy work. The research reframes that discourse by exploring clergy resilience as a dynamic, context-dependent process and seeks to understand why frontline clergy sustain their vocational commitment. Adopting a constructivist, work-based learning paradigm, this phenomenological inquiry relies on purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews to elicit rich, contextual data. Thematic analysis bridges existing literature with the lived experiences of participating clergy. Three principal findings emerge: First, the literature’s prevailing economic conceptualisation of work as employment, remuneration, and productivity does not reflect the intrinsic, relational, and purpose-driven dimensions articulated by clergy, whose well-being is integrally linked to their vocational activities. Second, while clergy often perceive their vocation as a Calling, their ongoing engagement is dependent upon the development of spiritual and professional competencies that foster resilience and enable fulfilment of this Calling. Third, operational paradigms within the Church, which traditionally distinguish vocation from employment, may inadvertently limit opportunities for competency-based training. Expanding clergy training beyond liturgical functions to encompass broader resilience-building strategies would better support long-term retention and vocational efficacy. These conclusions call for a reconsideration of prevailing frameworks regarding work, purpose, and identity, highlighting the insufficiency of remuneration-based models for understanding vocational motivation among clergy. The study advocates for integrating mainstream resilience literature and targeted professional development into clergy preparation to enhance career longevity and support. While not positioned to reverse attrition among former clergy, this research underscores the necessity of systemic change to both acknowledge past service and better equip current and future clergy for sustainable ministry.

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