Browsing Health

Plastic Purge

Want to know more about plastics, their effects on humans and the environment, and how to recycle them properly? Here’s a comprehensive article from UTNE Reader by Plastic Purge author Michael SanClements. You’re almost there. Click the title to be redirected. (Photo: Katherine Davis, Creative Commons)

The Delicious Invitation to Rest

“Sabbath is the day that I cease to see myself as a tool of production. And blissfully, I recover the scale and proportion of my life, even my own self,” writes Jen Pollock Mechel, in a guest blog on Christianitytoday.org. It’s a good read for all of us who think we’re too busy.  (Photo by […]

Clergy Learn that Self-care is Not Self-ish

Even with the best intentions and all the knowledge and advice in the world, clergy of all ages often find it difficult to take care of themselves. On the long list of items that must be done every day, they often put self-care last, with unhealthy results for ministry. But churches are increasingly working to encourage and equip their leaders to take better care of themselves.(Photo © Warren Goldswain, Fotolia.)

Take the “Fed Up” Challenge

Have you seen the new documentary film Fed Up? Check out the trailer here. You can also join the “Fed Up” Sugar Free for 10 Days Challenge and access plenty of facts and useful information.

Mental health of Clergy Requires Balance

Stress comes with the job for most clergy. . Pastors need to be aware of factors that ratchet up the stress — and things they can do to maintain equilibrium, says this report from the Presbyterian Church (USA).  (Photo © styf – Fotolia.com)

Promoting Healthy Congregations

Health is a process, not a thing or state. It is ongoing, dynamic, and ever changing. Health is a direction, not a destination, a once-and-for-all property. Congregational leaders are the key stewards of the congregation as a unit in itself. (Photo by Antti Nissinen, used by Creative Commons license)

Dealing with Clergy Stress

Because of the demanding nature of their jobs, clergy are at greater risk for stress-related mental health issues, such as burnout, depression and “compassion fatigue,” according to health surveys. The United Methodist Church report talks about the risks and how some congregations and pastors are coping.  (Photo by Bottled Void, used by Creative Commons license.)

Self Care is not Self-ish

If you lead and serve in a congregational setting, be sure to read this article about the importance of self-care from Faith & Leadership at Duke Divinity School. (Photo: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho)

Church is Good for Your Health

A Stanford University anthropologist proved scientifically what Christians have known for generations — being a disciple of Christ and going to church is good for your health in body, mind and spirit. Her study of Christians in a variety of settings led her to some startling conclusions. (Photo © Warren Goldswain, Fotolia.)

Weight Loss is Ministry’s Gain

A pastor who once weighed over 400 pounds and preached while attached to an oxygen tank lost his weight and energized his congregation’s ministry by asking members to pledge a dollar or two for every pound he lost. That kind of playful innovation is sorely needed because clergy face higher rates of obesity than people in […]