In the 2008 survey of Presbyterian pastors that we have been looking at this past week, the following results occurred with respect to the health of the pastor:
Nine in ten describe their physical health as “excellent” (34%) or “good” (56%), with similar percentages choosing one of the same responses to describe their mental health (41%; 52%). Most have had a physical examination within the prior two years (82%).
This would suggest that the vast majority of Presbyterian clergy consider that the concern for the physical and mental health of people in this country are subjects that concern others, perhaps many to whom they are offering ministry. Yet note the response to these follow up issues.
Two in three are either overweight (41%) or obese (27%), based on their body mass index scores (calculated from self-reported height and weight).
Less than one in eight—12%—are in a formal weight loss or weight management program.
In the Duke study of clergy health that did research among Methodist clergy in North Carolina, it was discovered that the rate of heart attacks among clergy was far higher than that in the non-clergy population in North Carolina. Do you suppose that many of those clergy also thought that they were in very good health and ignored the signs that maybe there was reason for concern?
The good news is that the Presbyterian study does suggest that a lot of clergy are trying to alter some of their life-style choices in order to improve their health.
Two in three (66%) report changing behavior in the previous year to improve health, and among them, the largest percentages report:
o Changing diets (65% of those who report changing behavior, or 43% overall)
o Increasing exercise (50%; 33%)
o Increasing time spent in prayer or Christian meditation (39%; 26%)
o Increasing time spent with family and friends (33%; 22%)
o Starting to exercise regularly (24%; 16%)
o Increasing the time spent on recreation (20%; 13%)
We know that the challenge of ministry is stressful and too many of us respond to stress by getting into bad habits that threaten our health both physically and mentally. The question is whether we are still subject to the human illusion of immortality.
An interesting result of the Duke study that we need to explore further was that there was no positive correlation between people who had spiritual advisers and the rate of depression among clergy.
The rate of depression and the fact that it exists among the clergy must be honestly faced. While some of it for sure is situation, it cannot all be that. There must be some with clinical depression and others with Bipolar II which is the more depressive type. One of the best resources that I’ve found on clergy depression is looking into the life of Martin Luther via an article on Luther and Depression.
Speaking of wishful thinking and clergy health. We clergy reflect the wishful thinking of our country.
I’m not surprised to read that not only is America ranked the number one laziest nation in the world, but that our biggest health problem is delusional fitness or wishful thinking. Far too many of us are in a state of disbelief about our own health, i.e. fitness.
I seriously wonder about how Christians in America rank in terms of spiritual health? Is our biggest health problem delusional spirituality?
John:
You make some excellent points. I assume you are aware of the Duke research on Methodist clergy in NC but if not you should be. You can find it at http://www.divinity.duke.edu/programs/health/pilot/document_view
Yes, I am aware of the research and serve on the Advisory Committee for CHI. I found your blog through CHI’s The Connection. In a addition, my own research into clergy and church health led me to create my website. bach stands for Body Anatomy and Church Health.
Among other subjects like a very strong section on mental illness and the church, it also contains a ER/Triage page on which almost every clergy ministry in America is listed by state. Pastor Care is listed on it as well. God bless you and your ministry.
Thanks for fixing that technological glitch and for taking the time to respond to my comment.