Pastors health
“This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me,” (Matthew 26:38, MSG).
Christ felt the weight of His ministry sapping away His life, and He pleaded for His friends to help Him. How many of us, as pastors, have ever felt that way? Aren’t there times in our lives where we feel that our ministry, which we love, has drained everything out of us – and “my health fails; my spirits droop,” (Psalm 73:26, TLB).
According to the Church Health Reader (https://chreader.org/the-pastors-health/) pastors were once among the healthiest of professions in America. But now we see increasing rates of major chronic diseases. And not only so, but the stress and strain of ministry affects pastors in their emotional and mental health, as well as their relationships with family and friends.
Adventist HealthyYOU: Pastors Health & Wellness is a broad collaborative initiative between Ministerial and Health Ministries. Our focus is to understand the pressing health issues among Adventist pastors, the primary causes of those health problems, and how we can best support better health for them and their families.
At the CALLED Pastors’ Family Convention, you will hear about what we’ve learned so far from several research studies, from small group sessions with current pastors, as well as from research done among other clergy. You won’t want to miss the compelling presentation by Dr. David Williams, Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Here’s a taste of what you will experience at the Convention:
1. Morning Group Exercise
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Jumpstart your day with different morning activities that are suitable for all ages and abilities. You can choose to go for an outdoor run or walk, take part of group circuit training, or hit it hard with group crossfit.
2. Fit-N-Fun Team Challenge
Ministerial spouses will have this extra treat scheduled into their program, but anyone can join in the fun. Gather a team together (max 7 people per team) to challenge yourselves in a series of fun fitness activities. Top performers get to compete to be the “Fittest Pastor” or “Fittest Spouse.”
3. Bouldering Wall & Pickleball
You have to see this! Test your muscle strength with this amazing modified climbing wall. Or, get your game on with our mini-pickleball court. Kids and adults will have great fun with these quick ways to get fit.
4. Connect with Health Coaching & Faith Community Nursing
Is it possible that you can do less in ministry yet be more successful? Explore this opportunity by meeting our health coaches and faith community (parish) nurses to see what they can do to support your health and your ministry’s success.
5. Free Health Screenings
Numbers aren’t everything, but they can be helpful landmarks for where we are on our health journey. Our volunteer health professionals are here to help you do a quick check-in and think about where you want to go next.
6. Experience the Joy of Eating
Food was meant to be enjoyed (ask your taste buds!). And healthy food can be enjoyed (your taste buds can be convinced!). Come experience how a community can connect and be healthy when talking about food.
7. Explore Grief Support and Addiction Recovery Support
No one has been untouched with challenges over the past couple years. Some have experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, an identity. Or perhaps some addictions have crept up unawares. Church members and pastors suffer, and these resources can help on the journey to freedom and healing.
Come participate in any or all of these activities — for yourself or to see how they can give a boost to your ministry.
Remember: You matter. Your health matters. And we’ll have fun together as we all take a few steps along on our health journeys.
Visit our partners to learn more about their wonderful healthy programs and solutions for your health and your ministry.
