THE SACRED SPARK

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. 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.