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#153. When Pastors Need Rest: Inside the Silver Bay Respite Program
Church Leadership Episode 153 • 19th May 2026 • Our Urban Voices • Dr. Alfonse Javed
00:00:00 00:32:50

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Dr Chris Coppernoll, Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, has a heart for pastoral ministry and spiritual care. He invites pastors and ministry workers to the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

  • How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their Pastors
  • Early Signs that a Respite Would Be Beneficial
  • Eligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr Chris Coppernoll is the Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education and pastoral ministry to this role. His expertise lies in spiritual formation and pastoral care, honed through work with students at Princeton University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and as a pastor in upstate New York.

His emphasis is pastoral and clergy care. This is expressed through the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondacks of upstate New York where Spiritual Life Center staff welcome more than 1,000 pastors and their families each year.

RELATED LINKS:

TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

00:38 - Introducing Dr Chris Coppernoll

01:38 - How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their Pastors

02:22 - ...things to keep in mind

02:29 - ...one-two weeks for respite breaks per year (not vacation)

04:24 - ...encourage your pastor to set boundaries around their time

05:26 - ...encourage congregations to volunteer to serve in ministry

07:33 - Early Signs that a Respite Would Be Beneficial

07:47 - ...emotional indicators

09:11 - ...behavioral indicators

11:57 - ...differences in relationships and interactions

15:41 - ECFA and caring for pastors

18:00 - Idea and Vision for Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA

21:17 - Eligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program

23:03 - Value of a Respite Stay

25:33 - Favorite Ways to Enjoy Silver Bay

28:52 - Silver Bay Loves to Welcome Respite Guests

29:53 - ...silverbay.org

30:08 - Books on Amazon, ChristianBook

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