Davidson Clergy Center is founded on the belief that God calls real people to the ministry, persons who have the same strengths and weaknesses as those they serve.
Foundations, churches, synods, dioceses, pollsters, and individuals have conducted intensive and probative research on how excellence in ministry is nurtured and sustained. In addition, numerous studies have examined “clergy stress” and why mature ministries, as well as new, have such high incidences of disappointment or exhaustion. There are many reasons why caring and intelligent pastors feel ineffective in their calls. This dissatisfaction often has ripple effects in congregations and families, on creativity and self-esteem.
The concept of DCC was an ongoing topic in the household of co-founders George and Gordon Jacobs. They were experiencing a church community that was mismatched with their strengths, vision, and talents; consequently, instead of a joyous ministry, it became a disappointing pastorate for the family.
As she saw her husband struggling, Gordon began to search for counselors, support groups, or programs that could address the stresses associated with clergy and their families. Finding professional counselors and help for their particular situation became frustrating and required many hours of research and referral. The support of family, professional counselors, and friends brought the Jacobs’ healing and strength.
Discussing their experience, they began to hear from and read of those who had gone through, or were going through similar situations. They agreed there “should be a place . . .”
So began several years of planning and building. The Jacobs, community leaders, educators, pastors, therapists, spiritual leaders, and others began envisioning a center where clergy could come together to find personal renewal, recommitment, or restoration. The five-day program, support groups, and concept of DCC became a reality as experienced and dedicated individuals envisioned such a place.
Established organizations—each bringing their trained personnel, experience, and services—designed a program for the care and nurture of clergy. DCC is today a place where clergy and church professionals can take responsibility for their own care, including:
- A spiritual life of practice and discipline;
- A healthy physical life of diet, medical care, and exercise;
- Emotional and psychological self-care;
- Establishing healthy boundaries in work, family, as well as personal life;
- A thoughtful look at their own setting and practice of ministry;
- Balanced and informed decisions on the next step in ministry;
- A place to learn, listen, and talk with colleagues.
Believing any successful mission goes far beyond the strength of any individual personality, a dedicated group formed a board of directors in July of 2003. The current board includes:
Wesley BlandingPresident, Blanding Iron Works
BS, University of South Carolina
Wesley is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and is active in local and international missions; he has two grown children.
David Brown, Jr., M.D.
Ophthalmologist
BS, Davidson College
M.D., Medical University of South Carolina
David is an elder, deacon, and served as the clerk of session in the Presbyterian Church. An avid naturalist and equestrian, he is married to Linda; they have two grown children.
Suzanne S. Fienning
BA, Monmouth College
Sue is a deacon in the Presbyterian Church and helps lead several civic and Christian organizations. She is married to Chuck; they have four grown sons and two grandchildren.
George W. Jacobs
Director, Davidson Clergy Center Davidson Director, NC
BA, Centre College of Kentucky
M. Div., Princeton Theological Seminary
Ph.D. Candidate, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
An ordained Presbyterian minister and writer, George is married to Gordon Jacobs; they have one son.
Gordon Russell Jacobs
Manager, Davidson Clergy Center
BA, Centre College of Kentucky
Gordon is a member of the Episcopal Church and serves several community and educational organizations. She is married to George Jacobs; they have one son.
William Nock
Chair, Davidson Clergy Center Directors
President, C & L Enterpises
Graduate of the Coast Guard Academy
MBA, Wharton School of Business
Bill is a deacon, elder, and served as the clerk of session in the Presbyterian Church. An active and successful business leader, Bill works with numerous industry and community organizations. He is married to Linda; they have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Bartow S. Shaw, Jr.
Director, American Forestry Management
BS, Clemson University
MF in Forest Management, Duke University
Bo is a deacon, elder, and served as the clerk of session in the Presbyterian Church. He is active on a number of educational as well and regional and national business boards. Married to Vickey; they have four grown children and three grandchildren.
Charles Shaw
President, Shaw Lumber Company
BA, Davidson College
Charles is a deacon, elder, served as clerk of session, and has been honored as an Elder Emeritus in the Presbyterian Church. He is married to Mary; they have two grown children and three grandchildren.
T.D. Williams III, M.D.
Gastroenterologist
BS, University of South Carolina
MD, Medical University of South Carolina
Ted is a deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church and an active choir member. A member of numerous medical and community boards, Ted is Chief of Staff at Tuomey Regional Medical Center in South Carolina. He is married to Debby, and they have two grown children.
