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Associate Roz Arnold View all: Affiliates Associates Staff Trustees Roz Arnold Associate Country: England Areas Covered: North West England, Online Roz has always sought to live deeply wherever God has placed her and to see those she is alongside flourish. She loves to create space for open conversation for people when there is miscommunication and misunderstanding before issues take root. Roz along with Mark and their 3 children who they home educate, are very thankful to be living near the Lake District and being out in God's creation. Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Women in Ministry, Refresh Community for Spouses, Formation Seminars, Resources Get in touch If you are looking for one to one support, our 'What to Expect ' document lays out Our commitment to you and the principles underpinning interpersonal ministry.

Our Associates Growing a dynamic network of pastors of pastors and trainers of leaders across the UK and Ireland Much of our Living Leadership ministry is provided by our Associates. You can find out more about any of our Associates or contact them by clicking on their picture below. To find out more about the Associates Scheme, please download the introduction paper here . If you are looking for support in your area, you can also explore our interactive map to find an associate or ministry staff member near you. Filter by country Filter by region Filter by Ministry Areas Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refreshment Days, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh Network Online, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Formation School, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Resources, Formation Seminars Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Refresh Network Online Find out more Dan Steel Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Network Online Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Formation Seminars Find out more Dave Burke Associate England Ministries involved in: Formation Seminars, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups Find out more Di Allcock Associate Associate Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Community for Spouses, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Related links

Our people Living Leadership is a collaborative network of staff , Associates , Affiliates , Trustees and Volunteers, united by the vision to see Christ glorified through leaders who abide in him Affiliate Associate Staff Trustee Filter by Location Filter by Ministry Areas Alastair Gledhill Trustee Ministries involved in: Charity Trustee Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Reynolds Operations Manager England Ministries involved in: Ministry Support Staff Find out more Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refreshment Days, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh Network Online, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Formation School, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Refresh Network Online Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Resources, Formation Seminars Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Network Online Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Formation Seminars Find out more Dan Steel Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5 Related links

It’s a joy to see how God continues to refresh, equip, and encourage leaders and their spouses through the ministries of Living Leadership. As we enter the closing months of the summer term, we wanted to pause to give thanks for what God has done in recent weeks and to invite you to join us in prayer for what lies ahead. Praising God for… Refreshment Days Across the Country In recent weeks, we’ve hosted Refreshment Days in Penrith, Oxford, Lutterworth, and Otford, as well as dedicated Days for men and women serving in Family, Youth & Children’s Ministry. We’re so thankful we were able to create space for around 80 Christian leaders and spouses to step back, rest, and reconnect with God. One participant described the impact beautifully: “Refreshed! Spiritually revitalised. It was a blessing to set aside a day to reflect and focus on God.” We’re grateful for your prayers and support that make these moments of rest and renewal possible, and we are looking forward to serving even more people in the next month. Praying for… More Refreshment Days in June Please pray for the upcoming Refreshment Days happening in: London on 18th June Near Doncaster on 19th June North Hampshire on 19th June A special Day for Couples in Family, Youth & Children’s Ministry in Sheffield on 24th June Pray that each day would be well-attended, well-resourced and, above all, that through the Days the Lord might meet leaders and spouses exactly where they are and bring the refreshment they need for the season ahead. Our First Annual Ministry Check-Up On 11th June, we’re hosting our first ever Annual Ministry Check-Up , an online event for leaders and their spouses. It’s designed to provide space at the end of a busy academic year to reflect on ministry and life, using our Leadership Self-Assessment Toolkit as a guide. The event includes: Guided reflection through the three areas of Character, Competence and Compatibility A one-to-one mentoring conversation to help participants go deeper and make practical plans for the future This is a new venture, and we’d love your prayers for clarity, participation, and impact. We’re trusting God to use this tool to help many grow in faith and service. Spouses Seminar: Seasonal Soul Care Finally, please pray for our upcoming Ministry Spouses Seminar on Monday June 2nd, on the topic of 'Seasonal Soul Care'. We’ll be exploring how the different seasons of life (and even hormonal changes!) impact how we nourish and care for our souls, particularly during the busy summer months. One of our Associates, Roz Arnold, will be leading the session. With many years of ministry experience, serving in ministry herself and alongside her husband in the local church, Roz brings deep wisdom and warmth to her teaching. We’re especially praying that those attending would be built up and spurred on in their faith. Thank you for your prayers! Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership continue to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. If you’re considering coming to an upcoming event, we’d love to welcome you along!

I’ve been supporting church leaders around the U.K. for twenty years. That’s enough time to get a good sense of the major challenges many of them face. Today, I’d like to address two in particular. 1. A LEADER BECOMES OVERWHELMED There may be a whole raft of factors. Here are some examples. Progressive job creep so their hours have become unsustainable. The expectation has developed that they can fulfil a whole range of roles they never signed up for, and for which they do not possess the gifts. They have developed an unsustainable number of close, personal relationships that are draining them of their energy. They are unable to adapt to the decreasing amount of energy they have as they age. As a result, they try (vainly) to run at the pace they managed fifteen years ago. They disciple others, but they are isolated, without anyone to disciple them. The list could go on and on. Many of the factors will often coalesce into a toxic, and potentially explosive, mixture unless there are others to provide a robust support system. Recently, I’ve had several conversations with leaders during which it has become clear that unless there is a change, the burdens they’re carrying will eventually crush them. They’re simply unsustainable. Yet, on each occasion, I’ve received the same response: I cannot renegotiate the terms of my employment because the church will say I’m the one who signed up for the job and I’m paid to do it . In other words, there is no way forward except to keep juggling the impossible, because a confrontation would just make things worse. Feeling that there is no way to renegotiate impossible expectations and demands, self-destruction (while trying to look outwardly serene, in control, and competent) feels like the path of least resistance. 2. A LEADER FACES A PASTORAL OR DISCIPLINARY SITUATION WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE DETAILS TO THE CHURCH A leader knows that a decision they have no choice but to take will lead to criticism, but they’re unable to defend themselves. This might be due to the need to maintain confidentiality among other reasons. RUSSELL Meet Russell. He’s an elder, who thinks that the pastor is bullying the church manager. This isn’t true—if anything, the manager is behaving badly—but Russell has begun to spread this rumour around the church. By contrast, the leader doesn’t say anything, because . . . a) He believes gossip is damaging. b) He knows that anything he says will likely make things worse. He’s confronted Russell, but Russell is having none of it. He says he’s just telling the truth. And so the rumour spreads and when questioned, the leader’s silence makes him look weak and evasive. Two examples, then, of leaders being overwhelmed or facing unfair attack without the ability to defend themselves. DEFENCELESS LEADERS What do these two things have in common? In both cases, the leader struggles with circumstances that are debilitating, and there doesn’t seem like any kind of resolution. Which leaves them stuck. But not only that, they’re also vulnerable by dint of being unprotected, and because no one knows what they’re facing, no one can come to their aid. They’re defenceless. The result of this is that there is often a big difference between their public persona and their private struggle. In the case of being overwhelmed, they feel they can’t be honest and open because it potentially damages them and their ministry. In the case of being attacked, they keep silent to avoid hurting other people and the wider church. In my experience, I think both of these are relatively common. Sooner or later, all those in Christian ministry will find themselves in one or both of these situations. When both happen at the same time it is especially devastating. Often, leaders find out if their support networks (their scaffolding, if you like) are robust enough only when confronted by these challenges. In many cases, sadly, they aren’t, but by then it’s too late. Most leaders are happy and fulfilled as they begin their lives in ministry. This is frequently described as a honeymoon period, with the rather cynical expectation that it won’t last. What makes this heartbreaking is that ministers begin with such optimism. They assume that things will turn out well, never imagining the dangers ahead; hence they rarely prepare for the worst by establishing a support network sufficiently robust to provide the help they need. When the work begins so well, why would you? Does a sailor lash the rigging to the deck in the middle of a storm? Of course not. They tie everything down before the storm arrives. It’s almost impossible, then, for a leader to find adequate support once the storm hits. But worse than that, a leader has often come to lean on the very environment that has later become toxic. It started out so positive and supportive, but now this ‘scaffolding’ has become unreliable and perhaps even threatening. One of the factors that is most debilitating for leaders is the discovery that the support on which they relied is unsafe. So, at the moment when a leader is facing the most serious difficulties and challenges, they find out that the people on which they relied are now unreliable, maybe even a threat to their job. And there is no alternative in place. This happens exactly when the leader needs support the most. LACKING BOUNDARIES This is made worse by the inability of many in Christian ministry to set appropriate boundaries between the different areas of their lives. As a result, work, leisure, community, personal spiritual life, family life, and church, all merge together. Therefore, anything that damages ‘church-as-support-structure’ has the potential to damage all the other areas as well, areas that for anyone else would be separate from difficulties in the workplace. This is sometimes not for want of trying. Is it any wonder that many Christian leaders become rather cagey when trying to draw boundaries around their personal lives? They have a lot more to lose than most people if things go wrong in their ministry sphere, as it can snowball into unforeseen problems in every other area of life. PREPARE FOR THE STORM Do you see a storm on the horizon? Be assured, sooner or later, a storm will come. If you’re a leader, then, it’s essential to set up your support network while the seas are calm. The following are some suggestions that work well whether the sun is shining or the storm clouds are gathering. They’re helpful in all weathers. Be a member of a prayer-filled, worshiping ‘fraternal’ (or female equivalent (i) ) of real depth. Establish good rhythms, habits, and patterns of rest, refreshment, and worship. Find a mentor. (We offer mentor support at Living Leadership) Maintain real friendships with people who genuinely care for you. Join an accountability group for leaders (and spouses) outside your ministry context. Seek opportunities for personal and professional development. Ensure clarity with the church about expectations. On both sides—what the church expects and what you can expect, usually set out in a clear job description. This is best done before the job begins, not once problems develop. Make sure there’s clarity about how to renegotiate those expectations when necessary. Again, before the job begins, not after. Most of all, develop a healthy team. It is hard for a paid minister to talk about everything with unpaid church officers. For one thing, it is unusual for officers to understand the leader’s job (even if they think they do). There is just so much you only get to understand from the inside. And second, the relationship isn’t a hundred percent symmetrical. A paid minister struggling with a pattern of sin feels far more vulnerable than an unpaid elder or church warden with the same struggle. Nevertheless, a healthy and supportive team—especially elders (or equivalent)—that prays together, is dedicated to each other, and loves each other well is essential. In John’s gospel, Jesus told us how the world would recognise us. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13.34-35 A healthy, godly team learns to love. And as leaders draw close to others with whom they lead, these relationships develop a robustness that helps unlock the necessary honesty and transparency, that stop toxic situations from turning into explosive ones. (i) ‘Fraternals’ is a word most often associated with male leaders in ministry. Female leaders need exactly the same kind of support group, whatever name it is given.

Allow us to begin with a quote. One of the easiest ways to get a group of ministers to shift uncomfortably with guilt is to ask them how their families are coping with ministry. Craig Hamilton. Wisdom in Ministry . Ministry is a high calling, demanding immense energy, time, and emotional investment. The sacrifices a minister is called to make produce a very challenging question. How does the family fit in to such a life? Too often, ministers and their spouses are pulled in opposite directions, trying to be present for both their congregation and their children; sometimes feeling they are failing at both. As you can imagine (or you’ve experienced yourself), many ministers experience the sharpest tension on Sundays. For us, parenting four young children at church was so much more difficult than managing them at home or in the park! The demands of ministry—preaching, leading services, running programs, and engaging with the congregation—collide with the needs of young children. Let’s be honest, little ones often struggle to sit still; they feel the absence of their parent, who’s up front on stage, or they crave attention after a long morning at church. It’s especially difficult when those you’ve invited for Sunday lunch simply don’t engage with the kids or later, when your own children won’t help out with your efforts at hospitality. BEING THE CHILD OF A MINISTER Ministers' children often face unique pressures, shaped by both the expectations of the church and the demands of ministry life. One of the greatest challenges is unrealistic expectations . They are often assumed to be spiritually mature, well-behaved, and knowledgeable about theology simply because of their parents’ role. Many feel the weight of needing to ‘know the right answers’ and behave impeccably, leading to pressure or resentment. One of our children was once told by a church leader to ‘do better because you’re Gareth and Claire’s child’. It can also be lonely . Congregations may assume ministers' families are well-supported, yet they can feel isolated. People may be hesitant to befriend them, perhaps even feeling a bit intimidated by their position as a minister’s child. In addition, they often struggle to find peers who truly understand their life experience. Ministers' children often feel overlooked yet scrutinised . While their needs may be sidelined due to their parents’ responsibilities, they also live in a ‘goldfish bowl’, with their behaviour constantly observed. At the same time, they may hear criticism of their parents, leaving them unsure of how to respond to negative comments about someone they love. We’ve known of church leaders who’ve had to step down from their positions. What does that do to the child(ren)? How do they view God after such an experience? Their lives are shaped by someone else’s schedule . Pastoral emergencies and ministry commitments can mean missing out on family time or social events, reinforcing the feeling that church always comes first. One of our children once said to me (Gareth), ‘Dad, you meet regularly, one-to-one, with so many people. Why don’t you do that more with me?’. Ouch! Pastors’ kids may also struggle with the confidentiality factor , hearing sensitive information they must keep private without knowing how to process it. Finally, they may be forced into stereotypes , either expected to be perfect, or dismissed as rebellious. When a minister comes to understand these challenges, seeing them clearly and recognising their impact, they can take action to support their children with grace. They are better able to ensure their child(ren) feel valued not for their role in ministry but simply as beloved members of the family. SHIFTING THE PERSPECTIVE The goal of reflecting on these tensions isn’t to induce guilt but to encourage a healthier balance. Ministry will always be demanding, but it is possible to create rhythms that allow both church and family to thrive. More importantly, when we feel weak or we think we’re failing, we can rest in the reality that God’s grace is sufficient for us. Our struggles as ministry families are not signs of failure but invitations to rely more deeply on him. Here are a few key principles to consider. REFRAME YOUR CALLING Ministry is not just about serving the church—it also includes shepherding your family well. Your role as a parent and spouse is part of your ministry, not something in competition with it . When we reframe our perspective, we begin to see that faithfulness at home is just as significant as faithfulness in church leadership. When done well, in God’s strength, these twin roles can enhance each other. Parent and minister aren’t incompatible roles but mutually supportive. INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY IN MINISTRY, BUT WITH BALANCE Rather than ministry being something that takes you away from your family, look for ways to involve your children in ways that are age-appropriate and enjoyable for them. This could be small acts of service, being part of the church’s social life, or simply seeing their parents enjoy ministry. However, be mindful not to impose expectations on them that create pressure. BE HONEST ABOUT THE CHALLENGES One of the most powerful things ministry parents can do is to acknowledge the difficulties rather than pretending everything is fine. Talk with your spouse and children about the challenges, and give them permission to express frustrations and emotions honestly. It’s okay to say, ‘This is hard, and we’re figuring it out together.’ Claire is known in our family for asking, ‘What can I pray for you, darling?’ Unsurprisingly, prayer works and what’s going on in heads and hearts is brought into the light. FIND SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY Ministry can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Seek out relationships with other ministry families who understand the unique challenges you face. Encourage open conversations with trusted friends, mentors, or counsellors. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. MODEL GRACE, NOT PERFECTION Your children don’t need perfect parents; they need parents who model grace. When you mess up - when ministry gets too busy, when you snap under pressure, when you miss an important moment- be quick to apologise and show them what it looks like to rely on God’s grace. Demonstrating humility and dependence on God is one of the best gifts you can give your children. SUPPORTING YOUR CHILDREN IN MINISTRY LIFE Parenting while in ministry involves all the usual Christian parenting principles—grace, gospel-centred conversations, prayer, and nurturing faith—but with added pressure. The unique challenges of ministry life can amplify the complexities of raising children. Here are some things we’ve found helpful. TEACH KIDS TO LOVE THE CHURCH Children who engage with a diverse, multigenerational church family are more likely to remain faithful into adulthood. Ministry kids need a robust theology of the church, recognising it as a bunch of ‘sinners limping toward glory’, while at the same time vital, glorious, and part of God’s plan. Helping children appreciate this truth can shape their view of faith and community. PRACTICE SABBATH AS A FAMILY Ministry can be draining, making rest essential. Prioritising a family Sabbath—a time to delight in God, his grace, and creation—can restore joy to a family. Though challenging to implement, it’s a practice that models trust in God. RECOGNISE EACH CHILD’S UNIQUE JOURNEY Ministry impacts children differently—some thrive, others feel pressured, and some wrestle with faith. Parents must provide individualised support, recognising their children’s distinct needs and struggles. Proactively praying with and for them helps reveal their spiritual concerns and fosters open communication. At this point, it’s worth acknowledging that, sadly, our children’s journeys may sometimes lead them away from the Lord. Witnessing this can be heartbreaking and difficult, and it often exposes deep vulnerabilities in parents—especially those in ministry roles. It’s important to make sure our children know that they are loved, no matter the direction they’re heading, and we should remember that God is often at work in their hearts in ways we might not expect or choose. If you are a minister and your child refuses to attend church, be sure to engage in open dialogue. Take their personality, age, and stage of life into account. Pray for wisdom, and aim to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting purely out of emotion. EMBRACE SACRIFICE Good parenting requires sacrifices—less study time, allowing beloved quiet times to become ‘noisy times’ with family for some seasons, and clear boundaries with the congregation. These all help. Sometimes sliding off a tight schedule to allow for small, intentional moments of connection, like truly listening to a child’s concerns, convey deep love and security. When you make those kinds of sacrifices, they are worth their weight in gold. SEE STRUGGLE AS SPIRITUAL GROWTH Being a pastor’s child isn’t easy, but difficulties can lead to growth. Struggles drive kids to rely on God, strengthen family bonds, and deepen faith. Rather than fearing challenges, parents can embrace them as opportunities for spiritual formation. A FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT Ministry families will always face unique pressures, but they are not without hope. If you’re in ministry yourself, rather than shifting uncomfortably with guilt, may I encourage you to shift towards a healthier, grace-filled approach to balancing ministry and family. As you serve your congregation, I urge you to remember that your role is also to nurture the small church within your home. They are both a part of your sacred calling. If you’re struggling with these tensions, please know that you’re not alone. Seek support, pray for wisdom, and trust that God is working in both your ministry and your family. He is not asking you to choose between the two—he is inviting you to be faithful in both, resting in his unfailing grace.