The Top 10 Ways to Promote Extreme Self-Care for Clergy and Ministry Leaders.

Originally Submitted on 4/10/97.

Clergy and ministry leaders hold unique jobs, in that they are called to serve. In such, they often give to the extreme of sacrificing their own sense of wellness. This top ten list was developed by the Ministry Leaders SIG and Leona Nunn to support clergy and ministry leaders.

1. Take four hours a week for Yourself. In the same way you help your congregation create balance in their lives, create balance in your life. There is a time to rest and a time to work; give yourself time to recreate, in turn, you will have more energy for your ministry. This is your time for sport, music, crafts, walking, etc. This is not time for projects for the congregation, this is not goal oriented time...you don't have to produce anything to make it worthwhile. Enjoy the moments.

2. Delegate, delegate, delegate...lead, encourage, provide a vision but allow others to share their gifts to contribute to the ministry. This is a gift you give yourself and your ministry. Plant a seed and let it grow.

3. Stop meeting with commitees in person: (conflicts with #2?, not really.) Ask the commitee head to provide a brief report (one paragraph or less), then arrange a conference call with all commitee heads. Conference calls will eliminate commute time and you can be relaxing in your bathrobe. Stop in for a five minute hello sporatically or quarterly just to share your vision and encouragement by your presence.

4. Extend Boundaries: Say No to all requests until you have enough time, space, money etc. Request support of parisheners to provide services you are saying no to...so when confronted, you can say, Bob is handling the prayer chain, let me have him speak with you now. Get in the habit of saying No until you find your self comfortable with it. In the process, you will discover what has the highest priority for you. Your energy will be focused directly on what provides the most effective results. The rest can be handled by others and should be to utilize their gifts God gave them. You can not be everything to everybody.

5. Limit Your Office Hours: Your time is valuable, limit the days of the week you have office hours. Make all appointments on one day. Try this for one week. This will allow you to be totally focused on the appointments, when you know that is what you have chosen to do with your time. Choose how you spend your time. This creates a reserve of time and energy in your life.

6. Build a Support Circle Outside your Parish: Look for people that see you as a person beyond being a minister. Look to attract a support circle that is interdevelopmental, that restores, energizes and encourages you.

7. Pamper yourself: Take a spa vacation, take a weekend retreat, golf trip, fishing, scuba diving. This "vacation" must be in another town where you are unreachable and fully let go of your responsibilities for more than 48 hours. Let it go, it will be there when you get back and you will have recharged your batteries. Find out what restores you and schedule it into your life.

8. Exercise: Incorporate into your weekly schedule, a half hour of exercise, three times a week. Find a fun personal trainer. Choose an enjoyable physical movement. Maybe something unconventional. For example, boxing (hit a heavy-bag not a face) or dancing, you may find yourself spending several hours at it. What have you always wanted to try if you only had time? Make time for two-stepping or hiking or rollerblading. Go for it, your heart will thank you.

9. Make time for healthy meals: Reduce your commitments so you have time for a healthy meal. If you find yourself booked at meal time, have a dinner meeting and choose a healthy meal at home or at a restaurant. Hire a nutritionist or ask for a volunteer from your parisheners to assist you on improving your eating habits. Better yet, incorporate it into your ministry. A wonderful gift to provide at your church or synagogue....nutrition and worship classes.

10. Make time for your Personal Spirituality: Allow yourself to be a life long learner, allow time for spiritual study. Be the student. Seek out spiritual leaders/teachers that inspire you and ask to be taught anew. Refresh your enthusiasm, gain a new perspective or enhance your wealth of knowledge. If you always wanted to go to Tibet (or Tennessee) ... go now.

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