Description
Book SynopsisClergy suffer from certain health issues at a rate higher than the general population. Why are pastors in such poor health? And what can be done to help them step into the abundant life God desires for them?
Although anecdotal observations about poor clergy health abound, concrete data from multiple sources supporting this claim hasn''t been made accessible--until now. Duke''s Clergy Health Initiative (CHI), a major, decade-long research project, provides a true picture of the clergy health crisis over time and demonstrates that improving the health of pastors is possible. Bringing together the best in social science and medical research, this book quantifies the poor health of clergy with theological engagement. Although the study focused on United Methodist ministers, the authors interpret CHI''s groundbreaking data for a broad ecumenical readership. In addition to physical health, the book examines mental health and spiritual well-being, and suggests that increasing positiv
Table of ContentsContents
Preface:
The Birth of the Duke Clergy Health Initiative
1. Creatures Doing the Creator's Work
2. When Work Is Holy:
Highs and Lows of Ministry Work
3. Slowed Down and Overwhelmed:
Clergy and Depressive Symptoms
4. A Practical Guide to Combating Stress Symptoms
5. The Pastor's Paradox:
Clergy Health and Disease
6. Feeling Alive:
The Role of Positive Emotions
7. Clergy Flourishing:
In Their Own Words
8. The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Appendix:
Recommendations for Clergy Health Programs
