Making Leaders' Friendships Thrive Melbourne

Making Leaders' Friendships Thrive

Overcoming the four barriers that keep church leaders lonely

"The most challenging thing about ministry is the loneliness—in life and in work."

— Senior church leader

As a church leader, you know that we can be surrounded by others yet still feel profoundly alone. But what few people know is that this can be one of your heaviest burdens. Over 30% of church leaders lack close friends due to their role, and the cost is real: higher burnout, anxiety, and attrition from ministry.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Church leaders with close friends have greater joy, resilience and are 2× more likely to stay in ministry.

Sheridan will also talk about the work of Friendship Lab, and how it can enable churches to help people who may have few, if any, close friends.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER

In this one-session talk, Friendship Lab's Sheridan Voysey draws on the latest research to help you understand why friendship is harder for church leaders and what to do about it. You'll explore the four specific tensions that stand between you and the close friendships you need to thrive.

THE FOUR TENSIONS

01 — Openness vs Confidentiality When what weighs on you most is someone else's secret.

02 — Vulnerability vs Responsibility When leaders are expected to have answers, not needs.

03 — Acceptance vs Challenge When your friend is also someone you must hold to account.

04 — Preference vs Impartiality When enjoying a few risks being seen as favouring them.

You'll leave with a clear definition of friendship, a renewed conviction that it matters, and practical tools to build and deepen friendships that fit the realities of your calling.

Your ministry is better with friends. Let's make sure you have them.