Here’s a recent topic from National Public Radio that immediately caught my attention. The guest speakers were Paul Vitello, a journalist who reports on religion in the New York Times, and Robin Swift with the Duke University Divinity School. They discussed issues of health among members of the clergy, took questions from callers who were current of former pastors, and offered some suggestions on how to help your pastor stay healthy without excessive nagging or mothering (Chad made sure I added that last part).
Because pastors are called to their ministry by God, they feel a sense of duty to serve others whenever they are needed. Unfortunately, recent research shows that they might at times ignore their own needs. A recent study from North Carolina shows that pastors have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and asthma as compared to the general population. Pastors also suffer depression more frequently than others. Sometimes, a feeling of needing to maintain professional boundaries can keep a pastor from getting the support and treatment that he/she needs.
Pastors have so many different roles in a congregation (preacher, spiritual leader, counselor, committee member, funeral planner, secretarial duties, locker of the doors) that the job can be exceedingly stressful. One pastor of a small church called in to say that he did everything from preaching to moving furniture-and usually he did more moving than preaching. A work week of 50 hours is fairly common when you add in all of the evening meetings, and that has an effect upon family members as well.
How can we as a congregation help out? As a church family, we need to find a balance of watching out for the needs of the pastor, while not overstepping personal boundaries.
Include the pastor and his/her family in your prayers.
Encourage the pastor to actually use his/her vacation time.
Consider making non-urgent phone calls to the pastor during office hours, and not in the evening.
Bring healthy treats to meetings and get-togethers. One pastor called in to say “cut out the free fried chicken, grits, and gravy.” In Minnesota we could say instead “cut out the free bars, muffins, and cake” (that’s my idea-Pastor Chad might not agree).
Voice your support every time you get the chance, and avoid finding fault. Remember that pastors and their families are human too.
Encourage the Annual Conference to provide strong health and dental benefits for pastors and their families (no dental plan is currently provided).
Our church gives love and support with prayers, cards, and gifts (recent gifts include hostas, iris bulbs, and tomato plants). I’m told that the trustees are great about fixing things at the parsonage. We have sent cards and given meals during times of illness. All of these items are greatly appreciated by our pastor and his family. Let’s continue to help our pastor realize that a plan for maintaining personal health and happiness is a necessary part of being a pastor.
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