Pastors and Physical Health
I recently came across an article entitled “The Fitness Church” which discusses physical health and the church’s role in addressing health issues. It raises some good points, and I encourage you to read the entire article.
This is not an article arguing for or against any proposed health care reform at the national level; rather, it argues that pastors and churches have a responsibility to provide healthier food at potlucks, teach members about nutrition, offer exercise classes, be more honest and forthright about issues of sexuality, etc.
The final recommendation in the article is this: “We must have a commitment to health from the leaders in our community, especially the clergy. You cannot have healthy churches if you do not have healthy leadership. People often imitate the leadership that they see and clergy must develop a model of self-care. I often ask clergy what is their plan for their own personal self-care?”
I think it is wise for us to examine our plans for our own self-care. Actually, to be honest, many pastors I know do not even have a plan, and developing one is a crucial first step on the road to better health.
Do you have a plan? What do you do to ensure you get adequate rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly? What do you do for fun when you need to escape the stresses of ministry? Please share your comments on what works for you or what keeps you from developing and/or sticking to a self-care plan.
