Emily Dickinson has a heart for helping churches and leaders thrive. Originally from Tennessee, Emily moved to Australia 22 years ago and has since pastored, coached, and walked alongside others through seasons of growth and challenge.
“I was a pastor for 12 years,” Emily says. “Then I became a coach for life reasons and seasons. That’s when I discovered the real impact of burnout.”
Burnout Is Real and Common
After years of working late hours with clients in the U.S. while raising a young son in Perth, Emily hit a wall. “My body said, ‘No, you’re done.’ And I realised this is burnout,” she shares.
Sadly, she’s not alone. Emily notes that 75% of pastors are in or near burnout. This makes the work of Partners in Ministry more important than ever.
What Is Partners in Ministry?
Partners in Ministry helps church teams and leaders stay healthy, strong, and sustainable. Their work fits into three key areas:
- Walking Beside Leaders – through coaching, supervision, mentoring, retreats, and spiritual direction.
- Developing Ministry Teams – with leadership training, volunteer support, and practical help like welcoming and small group leadership.
- Consulting for Big Picture Growth – including strategic planning, church health assessments, and vision-setting.
“We don’t just drop in with a fixed model,” Emily explains. “We use tools like surveys and leader 360s to uncover what’s really happening in each church.”
Coaching vs. Supervision
Emily is both a coach and a professional supervisor, and she often blends the two roles. “Supervision is about reflecting on your practice. It’s your workspace,” she says. “Coaching is more goal-oriented what do you want to achieve?”
She believes both are valuable. “One stretches you. The other sustains you. Together, they’re powerful.”
Why Safe Spaces Matter for Leaders
Pastors often feel isolated, even while surrounded by people. “It’s lonely,” Emily says. “You’re always giving. But who do you talk to?”
That’s where Partners in Ministry steps in. They offer a safe, neutral space for leaders to speak freely and reflect honestly.
“I always joke that people pay me to be skeptical of what they believe,” Emily laughs. “I hold up the mirror and advocate for their best life.”
The Hidden Costs of Ministry
Ministry isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Emily knows this firsthand. “You don’t just switch off. People message at 8pm with things on their mind. And as a pastor, you care. So you keep going.”
Over time, that constant mental load wears leaders down. That’s why regular rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
Don’t Skip the Sabbath
Too often, pastors put off rest for when they’re “less busy.” But that day never comes.
“If you preach Sundays, don’t make Saturday your Sabbath,” Emily advises. “You’re not resting, you’re preparing.”
Her tip? Pick a day like Tuesday, away from the pressure of Sunday. Use it to truly pause, refresh, and connect with God for yourself, not just for your people.
Healthy Churches Start with Healthy Leaders
Emily’s heart beats for the local church. “I love humans,” she says simply. “And I want to see the church thrive.”
With support from people like Emily and organisations like Partners in Ministry, more leaders can avoid burnout, grow in their calling, and serve from a place of health and joy.
Want to learn more about Partners in Ministry or explore coaching and supervision? Reach out to Emily and the team at Partners in Ministry to start the conversation.
Listen to the full conversation below.