I recently read Anne Jackson’s book, Mad Church Disease. In it, she seeks to address some of the patterns of life in the church and Christian leadership that produce burnout. It’s a useful resource.
In the next week or two, I’m going to post a few statistics she includes in hopes that it will entice you to pick up a copy of your own. (She draws these statistics from recent research done by Ellison Research)
Physical Health of Pastors
- 71 percent of all ministers admitted to being overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds. One-third of all ministers were overweight by at least 25 pounds, including 15 percent who were overweight by 50 pounds or more.
- 50 percent get the recommended minimum amount of exercise (30 minutes per day, three times a week); 28 percent don’t exercise at all.
- 52 percent experience physical symptoms of stress at least once a week, and nearly one out of four experiences physical symptoms three or more times a week.
(Jackson includes other stats on pastoral physical health in her book).
Buy a copy of Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic
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thanks for reading & posting
You are very welcome, Anne. I enjoyed what you wrote, and felt that pastors in my network would benefit much from your book. God’s grace continue to refresh and encourage you in your ongoing ministry to the weary and burdened ministers among us…
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This report is exactly why I believe churches should engage in building MHSA Peer Support and Outreach services. These services will greatly reduce the amount of stress that Pastors’ suffer. The Church has to give up its resistance to providing its congregants with necessary services; however, I believe that part of this problem lies in the Church’s fear to accept funding for initiating and supporting these services.
In terms of my church’s own issues I am searching for statistics dealing with how many Pastors have and do utilize Peer Support Services for their own well being. I would appreciate input on this subject.
Is it possible the reason “Burnout” is such
a problem for **today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is
they have found themselves with a
“Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?
Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
Any congregations “led” by a “pastor” in the Bible?
And every “pastor” I’ve met also had
the “Title” “Reverend.”
Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?
In my experience…
Titles become Idols.
Pastors become Masters.
Heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.
Jesus taught “His Disciples”
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.”
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.
[...] “Burn-out Statistics: Physical Health of Pastors.” (I’m glad to say I’ve improved my health lately as I’m 34 days into a 90-day, hour-a-day exercise plan right now). This post lists some sobering statistics about the physical health of pastors from Anne Jackson’s book Mad Church Disease. [...]
[...] has helped me understand why so many pastors are suffering short tenures (3-5 year average) and physical problems, and the battle each of us in professional ministry must face. The books are “The Time Bomb [...]