Taking a Break From the Lord’s Work

New York Times: Taking a Break From the Lord’s Work

The findings have surfaced with ominous regularity over the last few years, and with little notice: Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.

Public health experts who have led the studies caution that there is no simple explanation of why so many members of a profession once associated with rosy-cheeked longevity have become so unhealthy and unhappy.

But while research continues, a growing number of health care experts and religious leaders have settled on one simple remedy that has long been a touchy subject with many clerics: taking more time off.

“We had a pastor in our study group who hadn’t taken a vacation in 18 years,” said Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, an assistant professor of health research at Duke University who directs one of the studies. “These people tend to be driven by a sense of a duty to God to answer every call for help from anybody, and they are virtually called upon all the time, 24/7.”

As cellphones and social media expose the clergy to new dimensions of stress, and as health care costs soar, some of the country’s largest religious denominations have begun wellness campaigns that preach the virtues of getting away. It has been described by some health experts as a sort of slow-food movement for the clerical soul. ...

A pastor friend of mine says he keeps turning in his resume for savior of the world but God keeps returning stamped, "Position already filled." There is no question in my mind that the expectations we have of pastors, and congregants for that matter, are all out of whack.

Comments

[A. Amos Love]

Is it possible the reason “Burnout” and
“Depression” is such a problem
for **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is
they have found themselves with

a “Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?

In the Bible...
Did anyone have the “Title” ““Pastor/Leader?”
Was anyone ordained a ““Pastor/Leader?”
Can you name one congregation “led” and “taught”
by a ““Pastor/Leader?”

And every ““Pastor/Leader” I’ve met
also had the “Title” “Reverend.”

Anyone with the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?

Have a friend, an Episcopal Priest,
would tease him about all the “Titles” he carried.
Priest, Father, Pastor, Vicar, Rector, Reverend.
Would ask him...
Any believers, in the Bible, with these “Titles?”

Jesus taught “His Disciples,” and the multitudes,
NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ.
Mat 23:8-10 KJV

Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about “Idols of the Heart,”
and now God will speak to us according
to the “Idols of our Heart.”
Is the “Title” “Pastor/Leader” an “Idol?”

In my experience…

Titles become Idols.
Pastors become Masters.

Along with the “Title” and “Position” comes
“A Little Bit Extra.”
Power, Profit, Prestige, Glory, Honor, Reputation.
All those things Jesus spoke against.
All “Idols” of the heart.
Heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.

And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring,
and they shall **hear MY voice;**
and there shall be “ONE” fold,
and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16

One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.
If Not Now, When?

Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus.