Consultant, Clergy Wellness & Pastoral Care

Fully Remote • GBHEM Nashville - Nashville, TN 37212

Overview

United Methodist Endorsing Agency

After endorsement by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA), part of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), bishops appoint clergy to specialized ministries that reach far beyond the local church. More than 500 United Methodist clergy endorsed by UMEA are answering God’s call in diverse and meaningful ways. These chaplains, pastoral counselors, life coaches and spiritual care providers serve in places where the church’s presence is deeply needed — military bases, hospitals, prisons, counseling centers, truck stops and more.

About the Role

The United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA) seeks an experienced consultant to advise and support the agency's efforts to strengthen the spiritual, emotional, and professional well-being of endorsed clergy serving in specialized ministry settings. Working collaboratively with the UMEA Director, the consultant will assess current care initiatives, develop scalable support strategies, provide training and educational resources, and recommend best practices for sustaining healthy and effective ministry.

Scope of Services:

• Strategic Wellness Consultation
  • Assess current UMEA clergy wellness by being in regular direct contact with endorsed clergy. Build support programs and recommend and enhancements to strengthen clergy resilience, engagement, and vocational sustainability.
  • Provide one-on-one pastoral care as needed to individuals in the endorsed community when warranted and in consultation with the Director of UMEA.
  • Design and recommend frameworks for clergy wellness outreach, including tools, protocols, and assessment methodologies for identifying clergy support needs.
• Program Resource Development & Facilitation
  • Develop and facilitate virtual and in person support groups, workshops, and cohort-based learning opportunities focused on clergy wellness, resilience, and vocational longevity.
  • Assist in planning retreats, conferences, and continuing education offerings that promote spiritual renewal and personal well-being.
• Organizational Advisement & Agency Support
  • Serve as a subject matter expert to the UMEA Director on clergy wellness, pastoral care practices, and organizational support strategies.
  • Provide periodic reports summarizing findings, trends, recommendations, and opportunities for future program development.
• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
  • Review aggregate clergy feedback, annual reports, and wellness indicators to identify emerging needs and opportunities for intervention.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in theology, pastoral care, counseling, social work, psychology, organizational leadership, or related field.
• Experience in chaplaincy, specialized ministry, clergy care, military ministry, healthcare ministry, or institutional settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in clergy wellness, burnout prevention, trauma-informed care, and moral injury.
• Experience designing and facilitating educational programs, support groups, retreats, and leadership development initiatives.
• Strong consulting, assessment, and strategic planning skills.
• Familiarity and experience with The United Methodist Church structure and endorsement processes preferred.
• Exceptional written communication, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.

Deliverables:

• The consultant will provide:
  • Strategic assessment of existing clergy care programs.
  • Written recommendations and implementation roadmap.
  • Resource library and training materials.
  • Facilitated workshops and/or cohort sessions.
  • Periodic progress and trend reports.
  • Final report summarizing outcomes, recommendations, and future opportunities.

How to Apply:

• To apply, please submit:
  • 1) A cover letter
  • 2) Resume/CV
  • 3) A digitally signed employment application
  • 5)Three references [2 supervisory and 1 professional]
  • 6)Your potential start date
• Applications should be submitted through our applicant portal. Please scan the QR code below to access the careers page or visit Careers - General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
• Priority Review will be made for those who apply prior to November 20, 2026
• Please ensure your application is signed before submission.

We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible, so don’t wait to apply!

If you have any questions as you complete your application, please contact

HRGeneral@umcmission.org