The Sacred Spark

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>For decades it has been no secret that clergywomen in protestant denominations leave ministry at a rates 10 percent higher than their male colleagues. Despite a newfound focus on self-care and work-life balance for clergy the attrition rate remains. After receiving her own late ADHD diagnosis Rev. Dr. Katharine Steele began to wonder if there was a correlation. </span></p><p></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Weaving together personal narratives with reflections on her own lived experience she shares the highs and lows experienced by clergywomen with ADHD. Readers are encouraged to reframe ADHD as a spiritual gift empowering these clergywomen with unique traits especially suited for spiritual leadership. After a thorough exploration of the effects of ADHD on ministry a series of recommendations are made for churches church leadership teams and denominational leaders. Together more support for neurodiverse clergy is possible.</span></p><p></p>