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All ministers desire to serve effectively over a long period of time. Good health management is a key to realizing this goal; however, being healthy goes beyond physical health and also includes emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. In his book The Effective Minister, Michael Cavanaugh uses the violin as a metaphor for the minister caring for himself/herself. He writes: "A violin is a musical instrument that is both sensitive and strong. It is sensitive in that it is affected by the slightest touch and it is strong because its strings can withstand a good deal of pressure. A violin must be continually and properly tuned to be played well, for if it is not, even the finest violinist cannot call forth beautiful music from it. As an instrument of the Lord, a minister shares these qualities with a violin. Ministers must be sensitive enough to feel with people yet strong enough to withstand the pressure. When ministers are in tune with themselves, they can touch people in beautiful ways, but when they are out of tune with themselves, not even the Lord can make music with them."1

1 Quoted as a secondary source from Myron and Jan Chartier. "Clergy Self-Care: Defining and Valuing the Self," The Clergy Journal, no. 9, (August 1994): 70, 2.

Physical Health

The relationship between good health and effectiveness on the job is well documented. People who have good physical health often have better mental and emotional health as well. They are usually able to deal more effectively with stress, miss less work for health related concerns, and have more stamina. In addition to the many books, magazines, web sites, videos, and other materials specifically devoted to staying physically fit, the following suggestions may prove helpful:

1) Get regular check-ups with your physician. They can help you avoid major problems.

2) Be alert to your body's warning signs. Significant irregularities in your body's normal functions should never be ignored. See your doctor.

3) Get regular exercise. Most authorities recommend approximately 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3-4 times per week. In addition, some type of strength training and stretching is also recommended. Remember to stretch before exercising, progress slowly at first, cool down after exercising, wear proper shoes, and be cautious in extreme heat and cold.

4) Practice good eating habits. Your diet should be abundant with fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. Avoid too much red meat, oil, sugar, processed food, and food that is high in fat. Eat regular meals and avoid snacking. Practice moderation. Avoid fast foods and eating on the run.

5) Maintain acceptable weight. Maintaining weight within acceptable ranges has many health benefits. People who stay within the norms have fewer health problems, higher self-esteem, and generally feel better. God expects us to care for our bodies, and maintaining an acceptable weight is an important part of staying healthy and vibrant for ministry.

6) Set reasonable goals. If you are not exercising at all, don't fail to exercise a little because you can't do the maximum! Start where you are and have long-term goals.

Spiritual Health

Good spiritual health is assumed for the minister; however, in an effort to accomplish all the tasks of ministry, this important area is often overlooked. Good spiritual health is maintained by paying careful attention to spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible reading. The minister's ongoing relationship with God cannot be ignored if the ministry is to remain viable for the long-term. In addition to spiritual disciplines, ministers should seek to find a ministry opportunity beyond what is expected of them vocationally. If ministers do not participate in any ministry beyond that which is expected of them in their jobs, they are not modeling what they expect of their parishioners. A minister might volunteer in a local ministry or start a ministry above and beyond his/her job description or offer services to the community through someone else's church or ministry.

Emotional Health

The potential for emotional unhealthiness among ministers is great. Ministers may be crippled by the need to control and may even use God as a trump card in their quest for control. Some ministers are deeply wounded and use ministry to retreat into the quietness of study and solitude. Others are addicted to applause and spend their days finding ways to receive more gratification and recognition. These are but a few of the emotional pitfalls that entrap ministers. The following suggestions by Robert Adams offer assistance in maintaining emotional health.2

1) Unhook the applause meter. The desire to please and be recognized is normal; however, addiction to applause results in destructive behavior, for this addiction is never satisfied!

2) Accept your limitations. We all are limited by our time, abilities, and circumstances. Often our need to be valued causes us to accept more than we are capable of doing well. We often fear rejection if we say no.

3) Manage the pace of your life. Avoid filling every day with endless activity. Have some time in every day where nothing is planned.

4) Maintain clarity of the nature and purpose of your ministry. Work from your personal ministry mission statement in determining your priorities. Many opportunities may come your way, though not all of them will be right for you.