Alarmed with reports that its pastors were significantly less healthy than other professionals, the United Methodist Church commissioned a task force to investigate and suggest solutions. After three years of work, they came back with a report that details important steps. Click above to get to the news article; click here to go to the […]
Not only is Sabbath a commandment, it’s good for our health, relationships, economy, and environment. Unfortunately, the notion of Sabbath is often a countercultural one. Here’s a series of infographics that may help you communicate tangible benefits of Sabbath-keeping. (Photo: hiyori13, Creative Commons)
Some may say simplicity is becoming the new normal–the way we must live to ensure a future for those who will come after us and for our entire planet. Another way to look at simplicity is as a “better” normal, as a way to sustain health, well-being, and community. Click here to Read Duane Elgin’s […]
Studies have shown that many pastors and church staff are burning out. They feel the pressure to preach and create programs and events that entertain and inspire congregants, many of whom hardly serve in their church. What can be done? Eliminating pastor and church staff burnout requires a change of thinking and behavior. Good reading […]
Want to be happier? Exercise. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete or spend hours in the gym. Twenty minutes is enough to trigger the responses in the brain that lead to a better outlook on life. Now that’s good stewardship! (Photo: Stefan Insam, Creative Commons)
Clergy’s practice of putting others first can be detrimental to their own health, say researchers at Duke University. Pastors have been found to have higher-than-average rates of chronic disease and depression. But it may be difficult to get pastors to seek care because they typically default to caring for others first. (Photo by Doug McCaughan, used […]
We American workers have increased our productivity more than 80% since 1973 . . . and we work 10% longer. Since we increased our efficiency by 80%, shouldn’t we be working 80% less, not 10% more? Numerous commentators have opined about how crazy it is that our wages have stagnated while our productivity has soared, but few mention that we also work longer hours. (Photo by 19melissa68, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
As the most obese or overweight people on the planet, Americans know we need to do something about our poor health. But is our spiritual health much better? Fortunately, the Bible tells us clearly how to get into good spiritual shape!
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
July 22, 2012
Jesus encouraged his disciples to rest and care for themselves so that they could better care for others. How are we as individuals, leaders, and congregations encouraging good self-care stewardship practices? Read on for more information! (Photo by HaPe_Gera used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
When Pastor Jim Ortberg, editor-at-large of Leadership Journal, went on a seven-week sabbatical, he got a lot more than just some rest and relaxation. He learned a lesson on how to live. His advice speaks to all pastors and people of God. (Photo “Reflections in a Coffee Cup” by Gunjan Karun used by Creative Commons […]
