Diane Owen, DK-MN Area Director of Clergy Well-being

“When you’re caring for everyone else, it’s easy to lose sight of your own well-being,” said Diane Owen. In conversation with host Sheri Meister, President, Dakotas | Minnesota Methodist Foundations, Diane invites clergy and congregations alike to rediscover the rhythms of rest, reflection, and resilience that keep ministry sustainable.

Their recent episode of For the Love of God, "Sustaining Inner Strength—Self-Care in the Life of Ministry," is a conversation about the very real challenges pastors face. Owen, Area Director of Clergy Well-being for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of the United Methodist Church, spoke candidly about the stress clergy often carry—especially around money, emotional health, and maintaining balance.

Money and ministry are deeply intertwined, Owen explained, but discomfort often keeps those conversations quiet. “Money is emotional,” she noted. “When we’re under stress, sometimes we just don’t have the capacity to deal with that.” Many pastors, she shared, struggle with educational debt and the pressures of leading a generous congregation even when their own finances may feel uncertain.

But the heart of the conversation goes far deeper than financial well-being. Owen highlighted that real strength in ministry comes from self-awareness—the ability to recognize your needs and honor them. “The key is resilience,” Owen reflected. “Resilience means knowing when you need to slow down, reflect, and renew—so when challenges come, you’re grounded enough to adapt and recover.”

Building resilience isn’t about working harder or sacrificing more. It’s about creating boundaries and honoring healthy rhythms, a message Owen emphasizes with every clergy leader she encounters. True Sabbath rest, moments of renewal, and intentional time away are essential—not just for managing tasks, but for restoring energy and clarity. “Doing the laundry is not Sabbath,” she smiled. Owen encourages leaders to pause, listen inwardly, and give themselves permission to care for their own well-being, so they can continue serving with strength and purpose.

The stories shared in this episode don’t just dwell on struggle. They highlight practical resources now available to clergy, like financial counseling supported by the Foundation, opportunities for spiritual retreat and renewal at area camps, and a “Practical Church Leadership” program that has already produced stronger, more confident leaders across the region.

Churches can do a lot to support their pastor's well-being.

When asked what gives her hope, Owen reflected on the strength she continues to see among clergy across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. “The key is resilient leaders,” she said, “who have the strength within themselves and springing from their relationship with God to pause, reflect, and get back up when life and ministry become difficult.” Her hope, she added, is that clergy will continue growing in self-awareness and model that resilience for others—showing through their own lives the importance of emotional, spiritual, and physical renewal.

As October’s Clergy Appreciation Month continues, Owen offers this reminder to congregations: “Ask your pastor how they’re doing. Then listen.”

Each month, For the Love of God tackles big questions like these—sharing insights and encouragement for everyone who cares about the thriving of our churches and their leaders.

Listen to the full episode on the Foundation’s website or your favorite podcast platform. And join us for future monthly episodes, as we journey together in faith, strength, and love—one conversation at a time.