The Profile of a Healthy Minister

The spiritual leader must take care of his or her inner and outer being, in order to ensure longevity and health. Several leaders who have fallen from the faith or fallen into sin, have testified that they were so busy taking care of others, that they neglected self-care.

Here are some observations of the decline that can occur in the holistic health of those in ministry:

Often, when it comes to nurturing their own spiritual growth, ministers do not lead consistent devotional lives, opening their Bibles only for message preparation. Physically, exercise and proper diet are neglected, when ministers believe they are too busy to eat correctly or develop good exercise habits. Quality and quantity time with their own families gets neglected, leaving spouses and children wounded. A build-up of disappointment occurs when leaders are let down by the people whom they serve, as people make mistakes, move on, or experience misunderstandings. These cause emotional and social hang-ups.

It is therefore critical that the spiritual leader take care of their spiritual nurture, families, social life, and emotional well-being. It is also important that they develop careful, mentor relationships that nurture and uphold accountability for right behaviour.