If you overemphasize the message that the congregation needs to care for the pastor, it begins to feel like the pastor is a fragile entity that needs to be coddled. Neither the pastor or the congregation is going to respond positively to that. If, however, you set the context by raising the challenge of developing ways in which the gospel can address how we live in a healthy manner in the midst of a stressful society, then it becomes a challenge for all of us. What you are doing is seeking an atmosphere of mutual care where we all learn to love one another.
If both the pastor and the congregation will accept this challenge, ministry to each other can become a witness to the larger community as well. We have been working off of a grid of six dimensions to maintaining a healthy life. In our demanding world, how do we care for our physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, family, and vocational health? This is really the challenge faced by most people in our society. How do we embody in our living together Jesus invitation in Matthews 11:28-30. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Wouldn’t it be exciting for a whole congregation to focus on realizing that promise.
