“Clergy health is a significant challenge facing today’s churches, as reflected in a 2001 study of clergy health by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America,” says Mary Chase-Ziolek, director of the Center for Faith and Health and associate professor of Health Ministries.
The study found that stress, depression, obesity, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure and heart disease were significant health problems for pastors. “These problems influence not only the pastor’s well being, but may also affect the ministry of the church.”
The Valparaiso Project awarded the $9,200 grant as part of its Practicing Our Faith program. The project offers grants to religious organizations seeking to integrate Christian belief and practices.
The seminary applied for the grant after Chase-Ziolek met last spring with seminary students to discuss what assistance they need to remain healthy. The grant will run 18 months and will fund a new initiative to promote healthy eating and exercise, while involving the community in theological reflection on how to honor the body, she says.
“With the support of a student wellness coordinator, this fall the center will create small groups to share fellowship through cooking, supported by a cooking class, and provide a harvest dinner for the entire seminary community,” Chaze-Ziolek says.
In the spring of 2007, students will be encouraged to participate in small groups covenanting to exercise together, and they will begin a Lenten walking challenge for the seminary community. Beginning in the fall next year, “Faith, Food and Fitness” groups will be integrated into the new student orientation process and the Center will provide a workshop for seminaries that are part of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools.
With the Helwig Recreation Center opening this month, the grant could not have been more timely, Chase-Ziolek says.
Pastors’ health has been declining dramatically since the 1950s when studies found ministers to be among the healthiest professionals, experiencing lower disease rates and longer life spans. Later studies beginning in 1983 found Protestant clergy to have the highest overall work-related stress of any religious professional and one of the highest risks of heart disease of any profession.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America study discovered recently that their typical pastor had the following profile:
• A 51-year-old male with symptoms of depression
• High blood pressure and overweight with heightened risk of heart disease and other illnesses
• Works 60-70 hours a week in a sedentary job, lacking physical exercise and reporting considerable work-related stress
• Married with three children, one of whom expresses interest in following their father into full-time ministry; the pastor, however, expresses little enthusiasm for encouraging a child to do so
Another national survey by Pulpit and Pew, a research project on pastoral leadership based at Duke Divinity School, found that 76 percent of clergy were either overweight or obese, compared to 61 per cent of the general population.
The results are repeated across denominations. “Doctrinal and theological differences aside, North American churches have in common not only the cross and a love of Christ, but also a pastorate whose health is fast becoming cause for concern,” the report states.
For more information about the Center for Faith and Health, contact Mary Chase-Ziolek or visit the seminary online at NPTS.
