In this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus hears everything his disciples have done and promptly invites them to “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile” (Mark 6:30-31a). This is good advice that’s tough to take; in fact, it’s critical to our leadership, health, and spiritual and emotional well-being. Author and pastor Carey Nieuwhof has a few ideas to help. (Photo: Leland Francisco, Creative Commons)
Clergy are often relied upon to guide others through difficult times, but a new study has found that the very nature of their work could put them at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety themselves. From the Huffington Post. (Photo by Bottled Void, used by Creative Commons License)
We’ve all done it — we weigh ourselves in late December and discover we’ve gained more weight than we wanted. Through parties and special holiday meals, overeating is a temptation. On this page from WebMD you’ll find links to a number of articles on how to eat more healthfully this Christmas. (Photo by Kris Krug, […]
Healthy pastors lead healthy churches, but we all know that some pastors do not take the time or effort that can optimize their wellbeing. Here are some keys to being a healthy pastor. How many can you begin working on this week? From ChurchLeaders.com. (Photo by Joshua Smith, used by Creative Commons license)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 2, 2014 (Year One)
What will it take, I wonder, for us to be pursuaded—as Naaman—to wash in the waters of baptism daily, to die to sin regularly, and to rise to newness of life clean and whole? Can we listen to the voices of the saints who have gone before us and who have lived lives of faith in specific times and contexts? Can we hear and live into the old, old story in a new time? (Photo: J>ro, Creative Commons)
Without deliberately cultivating contentment, it’s tough to successfully steward and appreciate God’s abundance all around us. Check out this article from Relevant Magazine that offers five simple practices leading to greater contentment. (Photo: Rachel Sarai, Creative Commons)
Here’s a wonderful toolkit from Interfaith Power and Light designed to help you start or continue a conversation about healthy food choices, environmental stewardship, and climate. The kit provides all you need to host your own event. (Photo: gina pina, Creative Commons)
We need healthy pastors to have a healthy church, but statistics show that clergy need help in this area. Designed for use by pastors and lay leadership, this three-part series seeks to illustrate some of the unique issues clergy face in maintaining and improving their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Through video and discussion guides, it encourages congregations and pastors to share a ministry of health that benefits everyone. (Photo by Dr. Abdulla Nasar, used by Creative Commons license)
Asbury Theological Seminary’s community garden is doing much more than feeding students. It’s become an important educational tool that includes a prayer garden, fire pit, preaching amphitheater, and nature path. (Photo: seminaryalliance.org)
Yep, new Barna Group research shows that Americans are concerned about their weight and unhealthy eating habits. Check out this article and ponder Paul’s words in Romans 7:15-17. How can we be better stewards of health and self? (Photo: Doc Searls, Creative Commons)
