How will you care for yourself as ministry gears up this fall and into the Holiday season?

What is your plan to care for yourself as you endeavor into the busy season on the church calendar?  


Did you know clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans?  Crazy. In the last decade, pastors use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.


Well, before you change jobs, let's talk about changing some behaviors first.  What will you personally commit to do in order to buck this trend?  Here are some suggestions:


1.  Obey the Sabbath.  Jesus is our eternal rest but God still desires for us to obey the Sabbath.  If not, then I guess we can also bypass the other 9 Commandments.  I am not wiling to give up on the 10 commandments just yet!  Do you know what obeying the Sabbath will do for you?  It will give you REST but more than rest it will allow you to TRUST God again with the ministry he has assigned you.  TRUST or lack of trust is driving us to the grave way to early.  TRUST God.  TRUST others and let some things go for the day!  The gospel says we can trust Jesus to know what is best for us.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  A sabbath way of living acknowledges my trust in HIM to care for me and others in my rest. 


2.  Take a vacation.  Go to Hawaii.  Go to the mountains.  Go to the beach.  GO!!!! Churches typically give pastors as little as two weeks to as many as 7 weeks of paid vacation.  They are asking you to take care of yourself by taking some vacation time and refueling.  Listen to the Church.  GO!


2.  Exercise.  As obesity gets the best of pastors, fight back by getting some exercise.  If the job of the pastor continues to be primarily a desk job, exercise is more important now than ever before.  In fact, score some brownie points with your spouse and take up ball room dancing (start by watching Dancing with the Stars)!  Exercise is key in fighting obesity and hypertension.  Start small by walking just 20 minutes a day.  Some of you could do that by simply walking to an appointment instead of driving.  


3.  Diet.  We have to eat better.  We need to eat way more vegetables and make a lot less stops at fast food joints!  Time is usually the enemy of eating healthy.  We are in a rush looking for a quick fix and a fast stop. Give yourself more time to make healthier eating choices.


4.  Boundaries.  Most of us have very poor boundaries.  Boundaries tell us what we won't do and reminds others what we can't do.  What boundaries do you have in place for your family, ministry, etc.?


5.  Learn to have FUN!  Laugh, play, and enjoy the abundant life we have in Christ.  Get a HOBBY!  


6.  Date your spouse.  In fact, stop everything right now and put a date "night" on your calendar (o.k. call your spouse first if needed)!  And by date, I mean a LONG, extended  amount of time with the person God has given to you as a life help-mate.    If you are going to pastor within the Bride of Christ, you better know how to date the bride he has given you as well.  


What would you add to this non-exhaustive list?  


Take care of yourself.