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The Mission Rivers District has a new role this year: Director of Clergy Support. The new position incorporates the vision of our previous district superintendent, conversations and dreaming with both the outgoing and incoming district superintendents, along with the support of district leadership. The position is focused on support, resources, and encouragement for clergy; helping clergy connect with one another and tend to the whole self; facilitating connection and collaboration between clergy and congregations; and pastoral care for clergy.
I am Deborah Lewis, your new Director of Clergy Support. I am an ordained elder, and previously served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, where I have witnessed the range of clergy tending (or not) to the whole self. I have witnessed clergy with strong support systems, professional boundaries, and personal habits who were able to thrive in extremely challenging times—and I have seen others who struggled without these and other resources in place. And the difference is not simply a matter of individual clergy talents and persistence. The “clergy ecosystem”—local church, denomination, supervisors, colleagues, seminaries, grantors—all have parts to play in nurturing and supporting healthy clergy. I am thrilled that Mission Rivers is taking this step to be a proactive part of the ecosystem.
I have a long interest in how clergy take good care of ourselves, while taking care of so many others. I hope for us to lean into and trust God’s abundant love and grace for us, even when there is still more on the “to do” list. I hope for us to learn together, as we get to know one another better across the district. To that end, there will be invitations to gather informally, and many one-on-one calls and conversations. As I get to know you and the district, I want to hear what you have found helpful and supportive—and what has been lacking. I will be listening a lot and creating space to gather and be together.
I am delighted to be serving in this new role, which brings together so many threads from my life, ministry, and recent study and training. After serving in campus ministry for over 20 years, my family moved to Williamsburg in 2022, where I completed a master’s degree in counseling, including an independent study on “Clergy Healing, Self-care, and Resilience.” Since graduating from William & Mary last May, I have been appointed as a pastoral counselor (resident) at Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, where I have facilitated support groups for clergy. As I move into the Director of Clergy Support role, I will balance my roles with the district and PPCC, serving in each setting half time. At home, my husband Woody and I offer support to my mother and to my adult stepson who has non-verbal autism. I understand what it’s like to have a lot going on, to sometimes feel torn between work and home, and to need extra support. I look forward to hearing how it’s been for you, and to supporting clergy together.
Clergy: You will be hearing from me as I make my way around the district, reaching out to everyone individually. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me:
Rev. Deborah Lewis
Director of Clergy Support
deborahlewis@vaumc.org
Usual days: Mondays, Thursdays, & Friday mornings
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