Make Disciples of

Jesus Christ

If The Pastor Ain’t Happy,

Ain’t Nobody Happy

 

In the February issue of the Southeast District News I introduced a document developed by the Cabinet titled “Characteristics of Pastoral Leadership – Minnesota Annual Conference.” This month I continue to talk about another characteristic taken from the document:

 

Holy, healthy habits: Sustains themselves for ministry by having a healthy, interesting personal life that is appropriately balanced with their vocational work, expressions of which are clear personal and professional boundaries; practices of good self-care; life-giving relationships outside the church; interests and hobbies that lead to a well-rounded life.

 

1. How do you care for yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually?

2. What hobbies and interests do you have outside of the church?

 

The church is not all there is!  Now that is a provocative statement.  What I mean is that there is more to life than just our work.  In the case of clergy, we are called into a vocation by God to do Kingdom work.  To be sure, the work is vitally important.  Our vocation, however, cannot define who we are.  It is important that we have interests and hobbies outside of our local church settings.

 

Having hobbies that are not a part of our vocational ministries allow us to emotionally and physically disconnect from our role as pastor and enable us to focus on our role as a human being. Hobbies help create a restorative atmosphere for the renewal of the spirit that will in turn enhance our lives and ministries.

 

Finding a hobby, exercise plan, or other way to get away is vital.  In fact, if you don’t create an atmosphere of holy and healthy living within the first six months of your appointment, chances are you will not find a healthy habit during you ministry.  Holy habits need to be established as soon as you enter a new appointment.  As you unpack your books, you also need to unpack your healthy life-style.

 

Finding a balanced life need not be overly complicated.  Exercising ten minutes three times a day is equal to a thirty minute workout.  Walks are good stress relievers.

 

Hobbies can be any healthy activity that creates a world apart from your ministry.  Golf, reading, stamp collecting, motorcycle racing, or bird watching can be effective forms of stress release and healthy hobbies.  Find a hobby that best fits your personality.

 

Spiritual care may be the most vital part of your holy habits.  What daily practices, disciplines, or habits do you have to feed your soul?  Bible reading, meditation, your prayer life, accountability groups, and family devotions are an essential part of caring for the soul.  Again, you need to find a practice that fits who you are in your relationship with God.

 

The critical issue is always balance.  Creating a life that is balanced with life- giving habits will also create a ministry that will help transform the lives of those you have been called to serve.  When you’re healthy and happy, everyone around you has the opportunity to be healthy and happy as well.

 

Blessings,

Mike Wuehler

Published monthly for the leadership of the United Methodist

Churches in the Southeast District of the Minnesota Annual Conference

SE District News

July/August 2007