One of our commitments as an organization is to conduct research specifically focused on the current state of seminarian health and wholeness. In the summer and fall of 2020, Travis Webster (HSHC co-founder) conducted his dissertation research study* among seminarians who attend Christian seminaries and divinity schools in the United States. The purpose of his study was to explore whether the factors that contribute to pastoral unhealth are already present in pastoral formation.
One aspect of seminarian health that we want to highlight from Travis’ dissertation research is their relational health:
- Survey participants scored high on interpersonal relationships.
- They felt fairly connected to others.
- 2 of the 5 most important health practices that they want to be attentive to in their vocational service are relationship oriented.
This is good news for several reasons:
- Research is continuing to show how relational health significantly impacts one’s overall health*, which is why we, as an organization, have increasingly focused on providing tools and resources for seminarians and other to use to tend to this area of wellbeing.
- Relational health is something that clergy struggle with, so we are pleased that these seminarians are being attentive to this aspect of being well!
To get a quick snapshot of these findings, as well as an overview of some of the participants’ demographic information, check out this infographic.
Note: very little research has been done on the health of seminarians. Therefore, we believe that the information Travis has gathered will positively contribute to addressing the overall health and wellbeing of seminarians, clergy, and congregations.
