Leading in a small or bi-vocational church can be both deeply rewarding and profoundly exhausting—and often, those two realities coexist. That’s why the Iona Collaborative is launching Community Conversations, a new initiative designed to provide space for leaders to rest, connect, and grow.
Over the past five years, through our work with over 50 small and bi-vocational churches, we’ve noticed a profound truth emerging: churches are tired. Clergy, deacons, lay leaders, and those who support them are navigating immense pressures, often with limited resources and little time to connect with one another. As the world and the church continue to change rapidly, it becomes even more important for leaders to stay aware of exhaustion levels, energy limits, and the expectations they place on themselves and their congregations.
Community Conversations is our response: a space for spiritual and practical support, rooted in connection and shared wisdom.
What Are Community Conversations?
Community Conversations are monthly online gatherings for anyone serving or supporting bi-vocational churches, including clergy, lay leaders, diocesan canons, and ministry partners from across the country (we’ve already had participants from Hawai’i to New Hampshire join us!).
Together, we explore themes that help us respond to ministry challenges with depth, courage, and grace. The overarching theme for this year is:
Church in the Age of Exhaustion: Tools for When You’re Tired
Each online session is facilitated by Iona Collaborative spiritual directors and is focused on a particular topic. After a centering reflection and short presentation, participants move into online breakout rooms with an Iona spiritual director for further conversation and sharing. As appropriate, tools from the Iona Congregational Spirituality Toolkit are used, as well as tools developed specifically for Community Conversations. At a recent gathering, a tool focusing on self-compassion was informed by the work of Dr. Kristen Neff at the University of Texas at Austin.
“After working with our Community Conversations tool for self-compassion, more than one participant said they felt remarkably ‘lighter.’ One person recognized that she had been actively carrying feelings of guilt and self-condemnation for a problem at church that she had no responsibility for or control over. She was grateful for new inner freedom.” – Iona Spiritual Director, Janet Davis
Future topics will grow from the needs and insights shared in each gathering. Each session stands on its own, so while participants are welcome to attend as often as they can, there is no requirement to attend every session. Community Conversations will continue through Spring 2026, offering ongoing support for leaders navigating ministry in a weary yet hope-filled time.
“Both clergy and lay members in a breakout group shared how the reflection and the tool allowed them to see there is no single way to solve what is before them, and how creating space within allows or invites them to identify personal as well as parish assets, or strengths, to carry them forward.” – Iona Spiritual Director, Rosemary S. Hagan
What’s Coming Up?
Our next Community Conversation will be held online on Thursday, November 20, from 6:30-7:30 PM CT. The topic will be: Practicing Sabbath as a Whole Church. We’ll discover how congregations can collectively embrace practices of rest and renewal, even in the midst of busy ministry seasons. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and spiritual practices that build resilience and renew our ministries.
Community Conversations will take place on the following dates in 2026: February 5, March 12, and April 16. All gatherings will take place on Zoom and will be from 6:30-7:30 PM CT.
Join Us
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just finding your way, Community Conversations invites you into a circle of support, discovery, and shared wisdom.
Sign up for the November 20 Community Conversation on the Iona website [link: https://iona.ssw.edu/congregations/community-conversations/] beginning November 11, and come rest, connect, and uncover the tools already within and around you.
Together, we are cultivating resilience for the Church in the age of exhaustion.
“One clergy member, feeling discouraged, shared that she felt ‘supported and seen’ as she listened to others express their own need for self-compassion in the demanding work of ministry. Their honesty reminded her that she is not alone in her struggles—and that tending to her own spirit is sacred work.” – Iona Spiritual Director, April Williams
