Physical Well-Being Resources

At Wespath and GBHEM, we believe that the body of Christ will grow healthier as the physical well-being of clergy improves. Unfortunately, over the past 10 years, clergy have reported a marked decline in their overall physical well-being, including increasing rates of diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity, as well as higher rates of these conditions than a matched benchmark of the general U.S. population.

Church leadership and congregations can help clergy improve these trends by actively supporting clergy to devote time to healthy habits. These include eating and sleeping well and encouraging physical activity that brings joy – playing a sport, walking, meditation, dancing, gardening, and many others. Physical activity does not need to be a chore. Finding enjoyable activities leads to abundant life and increased likelihood for long-term healthy patterns.

Resources

Clergy Well-Being Webinars

• This fall, you're invited to join three webinars on clergy well-being. In these sessions, you will learn more about each of the five dimensions of well-being (financial, physical, emotional, spiritual and social), the current state of each dimension based on Wespath’s Clergy Well-Being Survey results, and resources available to you. Your input on clergy well-being is essential, and we hope you will join this ongoing conversation.
• September 19, 1-2pm Central – Financial Well-Being Register Now
• October 24, 1-2pm Central – Physical and Emotional Well-Being Register Now
• November 7, 1-2pm Central – Spiritual and Social Well-Being Register Now

50 Ways to Support Your Pastor’s Well-Being – These tips from Wespath’s “50 Ways to Support Your Pastor” can help empower congregational leaders to positively influence clergy physical well-being.

• Encourage the pastor to be physically active and participate in recreational activities appropriate to his/ her abilities.
• Encourage the pastor to care for his/her physical health by resting when overworked and not working when ill.
• Ensure healthy food choices are available at potlucks and other church events
• Allow the pastor to take time off for doctor’s appointments, preventive screenings, etc.

Video: Exploring Clergy Physical Well-Being – Wespath’s Jodi Benacka interviews Rev. Erin Totten Jones from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference about her personal wellness journey, finding a balance and sharing ways to create a supportive environment….or something like that. Feel free to tweak!

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We want to hear from you about how the UMC impacts clergy well-being and steps we might all take together to create a work environment more conducive to clergy well-being. Complete this short form to share how the church can be more supportive of clergy well-being.

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