The Clergy Self
Practices for Sustaining Relationships
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Nathaniel D. West notes that clergy tend to turn to leadership models to help them deal with the intense, interpersonal nature of ministry. However, he argues, most challenges for clergy begin deep inside their own emotional lives. West highlights that clergy risk not only their effectiveness in ministry but also their own well-being, as well as emotional harm to their congregations, families, and others, whenever their emotional development is left unattended. Yet despite the psychological challenges embedded in ministry, clergy often lack accessible tools to focus on emotional growth. The Clergy Self explores a unique set of spiritual practices that help clergy enhance their emotional intelligence from a theological perspective. The book offers practices and disciplines that empower clergy to better emotionally manage their networks of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, starting with how clergy understand and manage their own emotional worlds. The book starts from the practical theological ethic of self-understanding and self-love as an essential discipline for loving others through the various relationships and contexts of ministry.
Endorsements (5)
“Praise for The Clergy Self The Clergy Self is a powerful invitation for ministry leaders to move beyond survival and embrace a life of thriving in their sacred calling. Nathaniel D. West reframes love as a skill to be cultivated through spiritual disciplines and emotional intelligence, offering practical tools and deep theological insight. More than a resource, this book serves as a trusted guide for those seeking renewal, resilience, and psychological wholeness on the journey of grace and transformation.”
“one’s self in pastoral ministry. He brings practical wisdom from long experience as both pastor and therapist. Key insights include emphasizing being over doing, maintaining healthy boundaries, and cultivating empathy and emotional intelligence—attributes that apply not only to healthy ministering but also to thriving in both professional and personal life.”
“The Clergy Self is honest about the cost of ministry when leaders are only valued for what they produce and not for who they are. With pastoral wisdom, clinical insight, and theological care, Nathaniel D. West calls clergy back to wholeness as a spiritual responsibility, not a luxury. This book is both a warning and a gift for anyone who wants to lead without losing themselves.”
“Nathaniel D. West’s The Clergy Self speaks to me like a personalized instruction manual. The text is a reality-based and evidence-based guide for personal and professional enrichment. He has applied his vast theological knowledge as a teacher and his clinical skills as a counselor to assist novice and seasoned pastors alike to consider deep self-examination and introspection as keys for spiritual growth. In a unique and insightful fashion, West invites his readers to view love as competence, emotional clarity, and holistic self-regard.”
“Nathaniel D. West reminds us that we carry treasure in earthen vessels and that fidelity in bearing the treasure mandates caring for the vessel. With inspiration and instruction, he invites us to move beyond toxic theology and behaviors that violate God and the self. We all must heed and respond to his call and guidance for healing.”
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