Caring for self is a spiritual discipline

I am delighted that this issue of the Advocate focuses on self-care for clergy. As you know, I had the privilege of appointing the Rev. Charlie Reynolds to a new ministry position this year as Director of Wellness Ministries. Over the past quadrennium, I have learned a lot about the challenges of "wellness" for our clergy in Virginia. We have an overall record of poor physical health and a high incidence of depression and mental-health related conditions. This reality causes concern for all of us in the church. Are we different than other conferences of The United Methodist Church throughout the United States?

Pastors are regularly confronted with balancing work, family, and personal time. Pastors’ schedules are often re-ordered due to a crisis of someone in the congregation or in the wider community for which a response is needed immediately. Pastors experience stress and a high level of expectations for ministry performance, regardless of the setting for ministry. Pastors and family members who move are experiencing more stress than usual. Congregations also experience stress when a pastoral change occurs, particularly following the departure of a well-loved pastor.

What can we clergy do to take good care of ourselves? My own life and ministry experiences have taught me that our individual response is critical to maintaining wellness for ourselves. I know that God desires me to be well, to have time for family and friends, as well as meeting the demands of the calling of ministry. I know that God wants me to be nurtured spiritually, emotionally, and physically to be the best pastor/bishop that is possible.

Eating well, sleeping well, working well, praying well, exercising well, tending relationships well all require discipline. Our personal habits are a form of spiritual self-care. To care for myself physically and emotionally is a spiritual discipline. As I walk for exercise or go to the gym, as I try to eat healthful foods, as I get enough sleep, as I plan time for family in addition to a full calendar, these are spiritual matters. It is like a mantra of staying on a path that is pleasing to God and fulfilling to myself.

One of my friends at the conference center gave me this framed print to place beside my desk/laptop. I see it daily and find it a blessing:

Love from me and God,

Charlene Kammerer