Comments on: Pastor Stats: Overweight & Unhealthy

By: jeremy zach

jeremy zach — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:24:32 +0000

yes!! some where along the line pastors forgot that their physical well being is a direct connection to their spiritual well being.

Thomas Aquinas believed that one of the aspects of obtaining a virtuous character is how one controlled his/her eating habits.

Doing pastoral ministry is not necessary physically exhausting, so ministers may need to consider being more physically active.
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By: Tammy

Tammy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:41:43 +0000

agree

By: Anne Jackson

Anne Jackson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:30:38 +0000

Well…if you noticed the bottom stat about the general population, you’ll see that there is an issue with everyone. The research firm who did the study focuses on pastor health, and as we are all broken (I’ll be the first to admit), if a pastor is not taking care of himself physically, and knowingly doing it, I do think that is an issue that needs to be addressed.

We are commanded to take care of our bodies – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Neglecting an area on purpose and without a plan for change is irresponsible and opposed to what the Bible says we are to do. Scripture backs that up in many places. And a pastor is called to a higher form of accountability when he accepts such a role.

Does that inhibit God’s work in us for others? I don’t know. God works in spite of our brokenness and through it. But I believe we all need to be on some road of transformation instead of contently living in an area (whatever area it may be) of sin.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:47:12 +0000

Interesting that you’re tweeting about this post. My husband and I have been feeling the mercy of the Lord breathing on us reminding us that we have health and it’s ours to steward. Growing up in the church, I have seen a range of unhealthy people, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is really sad when the physical ailment is obesity because that is a personal responsibility neglected (for “noble” reasons or otherwise). I agree with many of the previous comments that a balanced but forward response among us to be active, healthy individuals so we can engage with this world we have been given to bless and restore. Keep up with your message, Anne. I hear you loud and clear.

By: Wally

Wally — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:23:19 +0000

First, I worked at for a church that was based on high production and the unhealthy “lifestyle” you describe Anne was my life. I worked very late into the night, skipped meals and ate miserable meals in the wee hours, which was all very damaging. At the age of 26 I was overweight and had a bleeding ulcer that nearly took me out of the game. I was, and am now again, an athletic person but allowed the demands of ministry to run my health and life. Just so I’m clear, I allowed that. Anne MCD is beautiful, and comes at a very important time for those serving in ministry today. We need to reminded, challenged, and invited to be healthy conduits for God.

As for salary talk, I am finishing my 14th year in ministry, which 11 of those years were bi-vocational. I am now making 27k with zero benefits and yet we get by just fine. I pastor in an urban, inner city context which has many incredible needs. Keep it up Anne, we need your voice!
Wally´s last blog ..More or less Patient?