A few weeks ago, I helped facilitate a gathering of people in various stages of preparation to enter authorized ministry. (This was the same gathering during which I wondered if my hotel might be haunted.)
One of my responsibilities was to moderate conversation among participants who were closer to the finish line. This was a dynamic and engaged group that showed support, empathy, and kindness for one another, and it was a highlight for me to listen to them share together.
At one point the discussion turned to self-care, and another co-facilitator mentioned the importance of finding certified professionals such as therapists and spiritual directors when moving to a new area. Rather than going it alone, she said, one should seek out those with whom to safely process and seek growth.
This inspired one of the participants to talk about their own experience of facing hard moments in life and ministry. “When that happens,” she said, “I call the squad.” She didn’t mean the EMTs, but rather the professionals she has in her contact list when she needs care.
I got to thinking about my own squad. It has enjoyed some needed expansion lately, for which I’m glad. They provide me with encouragement, challenge, guidance, and healing in the varied ways I may need it.
As I consider my own squad, and others who could be a part of it, this is the non-exhaustive list of potential members I’ve come up with. Understand that I’m mainly thinking of people in professional/certified roles here. Certainly family members and friends can be part of this as well, but we may need help of a nature that they can’t provide.
- Primary care doctor
- Therapist
- Spiritual director (one who non-judgmentally encourages your spiritual journey)
- Pastor (no, clergy colleagues, you can’t be your own)
- Chiropractor
- Personal trainer (or your yoga teacher, karate sensei, spin class instructor, etc….basically anyone who helps you maintain your physical health)
- Mentor
- Collegial support (individual or group)
- Dentist
- Psychiatrist (if you need medication in addition to therapy)
- Massage therapist
- Life coach (I don’t really know what they do but it’s an option)
You may be able to name others who aren’t on this list. I’m very glad to have a number of these people on my own.
Who is in your squad? Who might need to be?
Jeffrey A. Nelson 