Recently studies of clergy health like the Duke Clergy Health study, have emphasized the quality of resiliency as important for clergy. It got me to thinking about how healthy clergy are a lot like a good quality rubber band.
1. Rubber Bands Hold Things Together
We live in a very anxious age. One symptom of that is the scattered nature of peoples’ lives. They are afraid of commitment, uncertain about their values, and prone to scapegoat anyone who is near for their problems. A major task of the clergy during such a time is to be that non-anxious presence. Because they are linked to truths beyond the immediate circumstances, they have a gift to offer others that can build community and calm anxiety.
2. Rubber Bands Stretch to Meet New Situations
Healthy clergy allow themselves to be stretched by the continually changing challenges around them. Of course they get frustrated, angry, hurt, like all others. So did Jesus. But regardless of what is happening, they can see it as a theological moment. That is, by asking “Where is God in this?” they can look for the creative possibility and not just be pressed down when things go wrong.
3. Rubber Bands Know When They Are Stretched Too Thin
Clergy live in an emotionally charged, physically demanding, personally challenging profession. They are always trying to do too much and there is always more to do. Yet healthy clergy know that it is important to not over-reach. They are better clergy when they know when to release the tension and be restored. Even Jesus interrupted his ministry to pull apart from the crowd. A good pastor doesn’t try to be better than Jesus.
4. Rubber Bands Are Stronger Working With Other Rubber Bands
The center of our faith is love of God and neighbor. When we invite others, colleagues or parishioners, to work with us, we and our ministry are far stronger. We know that when we insist on trying to be the Lone Ranger, we can snap too easily.
5. Rubber Bands Snap Quickly and At Times Painfully
Someone has said that a good pastor needs to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Like a well placed snap of a rubber band, it can be painful. The objective is not to destroy the sinner but to sting them into awareness. Healthy clergy are aware that there are times when it is necessary to upset people.
6. Rubber Bands Can Deteriorate When They Dry Up
Healthy pastors know that it is necessary to practice spiritual disciplines that keep their faith and their call alive and vital. If we become too consumed by the demands of our profession, our spirits can shrivel.
Clergy Are Called
As clergy, we are called to be flexible and stretch ourselves in the service of others. Yet we must continually remind ourselves that we are called to be a moist plant in an often dry world.
