Empowering Faith Communities & Encouragement for Clergy with Kelly Brill
I am passionate about helping both congregations and clergy to thrive, experiencing growth and vitality.
When a congregation is struggling with conflict or looking for new ways to cope with change,
when a clergy person is teetering on the edge of clergy burnout, or feeling alone while facing challenges,
I am here to help.
Kelly Boyte Brill
I meet with congregations and clergy in person, by phone or by zoom. I work with ministers who are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed - or those looking to hone certain skills. I consult with congregations who want to flourish. I lead retreats on congregational health, coping with change, clergy wellness, and spiritual practice. Details of my offerings are below. Contact me to design a personalized plan that will meet your needs!
ABOUT KELLY
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I most recently served as the Senior Minister of the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, a large multi-staff congregation, where I gained significant experience in staff development and strategic planning, guided a congregation through change, and implemented church growth strategies. I lead a community of practice group and frequently lead retreats on clergy wellness and burnout prevention. Previously I have served congregations in the UCC and in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio, Illinois and Texas.
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Bachelor of Arts, Kalamazoo College
Master of Divinity, Vanderbilt University Divinity School
Doctor of Ministry in Preaching (ACTS program), Chicago Theological Seminary
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May I help you with a grant proposal? I have received a Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant, a Louisville Institute Pastoral Study Grant, a worship study grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and a grant to attend a writing seminar at the Collegeville Institute.
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My certifications include Mediation Skills Training for Church Leaders (Lombard Mennonite Peace Center), the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (Lake Institute on Faith and Giving) and Interim Ministry Training.
ABOUT MY WORK
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I work with congregations, church staff, and judicatories on conflict resolution, staff development, staff relations, coping with change, appreciative inquiry, navigating periods of transition, group dynamics, and other related issues. I recently helped one congregation develop a long-range strategic plan and am currently assisting another in developing a staffing plan.
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Ministry can be lonely and stressful. When I work with ministers, we craft together a plan that will help them develop healthy coping strategies. Through deep listening, and drawing on 40 years of experience in the local church, I provide both support and gentle guidance. Specific areas of focus include spiritual practices, self-care, self-understanding, asset-building, leadership development, and stress management. Using a coach/mentor model, I work with ministers who want to improve their skills in preaching, worship planning and program development.
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I can help facilitate, lead and/or plan a retreat for your congregation, staff, or clergy group. Sample topics include:
Writing as a Spiritual Practice
Who Cares for the Caregiver/Who Pastors the Pastor?
Prayer and Poetry (for Those Who Think They Can’t Pray and Think They Don’t Like Poetry)
Sabbath Rest
Forgiveness
The Grief Journey
Beyond Juggling: Life Balance Skills
Navigating Political Differences in Your Family or Organization
1500 pastors per month leave the ministry, usually due to burnout or conflict.
-New York Times
“The term, ‘workaholic,’ was first coined in a study of ministers.”
Alex Pang, in his book, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less
ENDORSEMENTS
“Kelly is a fantastic coach! When I began working with Kelly, I was struggling. Her wisdom and experience enabled me to view my ministry through a variety of lenses and make some needed changes. I am in a much better place today and I am grateful for Kelly who accompanied me so beautifully!”
-The Rev. Sue Joiner, Senior Minister, First Congregational UCC, Albuquerque, NM
“Kelly helped me when I was trying to reimagine both parish ministry and my place in it. With a calm, hospitable spirit she received what I was trying to say as a gift and returned that gift to me as a new possibility."
- Mike, UCC pastor in Ohio
“Thank you, Kelly for taking a part of your weekend to help us brainstorm a 3-5 year mission and vision for our church! You are a pro.”
- Member, The Bath Church
“Dr. Kelly Brill’s experience grants her a quiet stillness to connect with a variety of clergy who are at various junctures in their ministry. Rev. Brill offers the right heart and compassion to help anyone in ministry to discern God’s call and go within to find greater clarity.”
- The Rev. Brian Shields, UCC Chaplain
The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brill is an outstanding pastor, leader, and contemplative. Her quiet wisdom is gentle, yet can cut through any situation like a sharp knife. She is so deeply rooted in the Gospel and her identity in Christ that she is not easily blown back by whatever situation others are going through. This makes her an amazing mentor and coach. Her planning and execution of retreats are second to none.
-The Rev. Dr. Luke Lindon, Senior Pastor, Medina UCC, Congregational
“Kelly brings a calm and non-judgmental presence to every encounter. I’m so grateful for every one of our interactions; I feel safe, affirmed, and supported. She has a deep heart, and she listens intuitively, helping to guide you to your best sense of self.”
- The Rev. Emily Culp Ashby, Kent UCC
“You will rarely find a person with the level of compassion, discipline, and wisdom as the Reverend Dr. Kelly Brill. She is a well-read, Christ-centered leader who navigates with the type of intellectual curiosity that matches her keen ability to listen, her passion and understanding of the church, with her effective problem-solving skills.”
-Timothy Harris, President & CEO, United Church Insurance Association
Rev. Dr. Kelly Brill brings that special weave of training and experience where head and heart come together to fashion a holy space of discovery and hope. Her many years of parish ministry coupled with deep attention to her own professional development has formed her into a wise and discerning presence. Whether you are a pastor in need of support for a particular chapter of ministry or a church community seeking to discover God's leading for your shared life, you will find in Kelly a remarkably gifted presence who brings clarity coupled with a capacity to help others discern creative possibilities.
-Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, Conference Minister, Heartland Conference, UCC
I chose to be a member of Avon Lake UCC because of Kelly Brill. She is a strong leader with vision and conviction. Her deep listening and genuine interest in hearing your story, her vast experience in church dynamics and accumulated wisdom from on the ground, hard work combine to give her a treasure trove of wisdom she can access to help your church access its future with hope. She can unstuck the stuck, heal the wounded, teach the curious, and inspire the seekers.
- Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, Former General Minister and President, United Church of Christ
INTERESTED IN TALKING?