When you think about it, the number one problem most of us face in the developed world is also the number one problem in ministry. Ask anyone about the major problem they are experiencing, and for almost everyone, the answer is stress. If a pastor can demonstrate how to manage stress in the ministry so that it is not a destructive force, than s/he has some major good news for our society and for the world.
Almost everything we do includes stress. There is bad stress (distress) and good stress (eustress) but it all takes its toll on our lives. As any minister can tell you, even those high moments of celebration and joy can wear on your body and mind. When, as is often true in the ministry, you move from high moments to low moments, often within minutes, the roller coaster life continues to take its toll on our welbeing.
If you could manage stress, a need of almost everyone in the world, consider the results. The person who manages stress well has better physical and emotional health. That same person is able to respond in a healthier way to all of their relationships, good and bad. If you can handle stress well, it also results in better productivity in whatever field you are in. From church to corporation, to government, consider the results if the participants were healthy physically and emotionally, acted in ways that nurtured and strengthened good relationships with all with whom they interacted, and each person was able to utilize their gifts and talents in the most productive way.
I want to explore some of the ways that we can do that in ministry in future blogs. However, remember that the serial story still appears each Monday, so the next blog on this subject will be on Wednesday. However, the serial story, The Hypocritical Oath for A Pastor, may be one of the ways to destress. Join us each Monday.
