Pastoral Self Care

Terrance Woodson, D.Min.Pastor – Bethel Bible Fellowship

Advisor – Dallas Theological Seminary

Numbers 11:15Moses

15 If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

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1 Kings 19:4Elijah

4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

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Psalm 32:3-4David

3 When I kept silent,

my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night

your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was sapped

as in the heat of summer. Selah

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Jeremiah 20:14,15,18Jeremiah

14 Cursed be the day I was born!

May the day my mother bore me not be blessed! 15 Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, “A child is born to you—a son!” 18 Why did I ever come out of the womb

to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?

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Jonah 4:3Jonah

3 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 9 …“I am angry enough to die.”

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Mark 14:34Jesus

34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

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2 Corinthians 1:8bPaul

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

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THE PROBLEM

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Typical Profile

A 51-year-old male with symptoms of depression, the patient has high blood pressure and is overweight, presenting a heightened risk of heart disease and other illnesses. He works 60-70 hours a week in a sedentary job, does not currently engage in any physical exercise, and reports considerable work-related stress. Patient is married, with three children, one of whom expresses interest in following patient's career path. Patient expresses little enthusiasm for encouraging child to do so.

http://www.pulpitandpew.duke.edu/clergyhealth.html

Ministerial Life Cycle - Formational Stages

http://faithandleadership.com/reflections/shooting-the-rapids-the-cycles-pastoral-ministry?page=0,2

DataPulpit and Pew•76 per cent of clergy were either overweight or obese•10 percent being depressed•40 percent said they were depressed at times, or worn out "some or most of the time."

http://www.pulpitandpew.duke.edu/clergyhealth.html

A survey of Lutheran ministers:•68 percent were overweight or obese, •16 percent of male pastors and •24 percent of female pastors complained of problems with depression.

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Institute of Church Leader Development

•Over 70% of pastors are so stressed out and burned out that they regularly consider leaving the ministry .•35 – 40% percent of pastors actually do leave the ministry, most after only five years.

Statistics•1500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches. •50% of pastors' marriages will end in divorce. •80% of pastors feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastor. •50% of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living. 15

•80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years. •70% of pastors constantly fight depression. •Almost 40% polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry. •70% said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons

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PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

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What to do…

1. Try not to make your ministry your identity, get a hobby

2. Develop a realistic plan regarding exercise, spiritual health, attend conferences, read more

3. Put Pastoral Care into your church budget

4. Plan a sabbatical

5. Develop relationships with other Pastors 18

What to do…6. Learn to handle conflict better

7. Begin the practice of journaling

8. Develop a relationship with a spiritual director or a counselor

9. Take time for yourself, find your rhythm of rest

10.Take vacation

11.Plan for a sabbatical

12.Develop an exercise program

13.Watch what you eat 19

RESOURCES

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Resources

http://www.parsonage.org/images/pdf/ppcdministries.pdf

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Notes from CAPS meeting in Dallas

Depression in the Clergy, David Nicholson, Richardson TX.

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