In preparation for the next presbytery meeting, you need to prepare a graph for all the commissioners. The graph looks like a T laid on its side. Above and below the line place 5 markers labeled a through e. Along the horizontal line have twenty numbered markers. Below the graph have a list of 20 activities or experiences that a clergy might experience over time.
I will suggest 20 but you might add or substitute others. The idea is that the experiences elicit a large range of positive and negative feelings. My list is: 1. Lead worship, 2. Counsel with couple in trouble, 3. Receive a new member, 4. Lose an angry member, 5. Work with the youth, 6. Meet with grieving family to plan a funeral, 7. Attend three to four meetings on evenings during week, 8. Meet with parents of newborn, 9. Gather articles and prepare a newsletter, 10. Correct a custodian or secretary, 11. Visit an elderly dementia member, 12.Prepare a weekly sermon, 13. Teach a Bible class, 14, Make hospital visit to critically ill member, 15. Conduct a funeral, 16. Meet with clergy colleagues over community issue, 17. Receive letter complaining about some event at the church, 18. Receive high compliments on a sermon, 19. Respond to budget shortfall, 20. Visit an indifferent, inactive member.
Ask commissioners at presbytery to place a dot either above or below the line to mark a positive or negative experience at varying intensity. Once that has been done, have them connect the dots. This is a depiction of the roller coaster experience of a pastor. Imagine the cumulative stress of experiencing this month after month. Remind them that stress comes in many forms, both positive and negative and each stresses our nerves. Nerve endings that are rubbed raw take longer to heal than what can be accomplished by a good night’s sleep or a day off. The better and more compassionate a pastor is, the greater stress s/he will experience.
In supporting the emotional health of those who engage in ministry, whether pastors or elders, one needs to be intentional and strategic about how one responds to stress.
