Another obstacle to caring for self among clergy is the fear of appearing that they are whining or asking people to care for the pastor when the pastor should be caring for them. This is especially true if part of your strategy for self-care requires you to ask your official board to make some changes that appear to be self-serving. A traditional image of a pastor is that of a servant to the people. After all, Jesus sacrificed his life for us. He came not to be served but to serve others and so should the pastor.
In many ways I agree with that image. It makes me furious to see a clergy manipulating others for his or her own benefit. However, there are some additional considerations that need to be mentioned. First, most of us have to remind ourselves from time to time that we are not Jesus and we are not called to be Jesus. Second, the Gospels record that not only did Jesus withdraw at times to restore himself, but he also created those opportunities for his disciples. Third, as I mentioned in a previous blog. Good self-care can be a testimony to those in your congregation who also feel strung out because of the pressures of the world.
Good self-care for clergy is not an act of self-pity but an invitation to healthy living. It would be a major step if the whole session or official board could join in a team effort to develop healthy practices among the leadership of the church.
We will continue this in future blogs.
