The Right Road: Life Choices for Clergy
Many clergy are in startlingly bad health. Not only do they regularly report depression, stress, and serious family and financial problems, they also exhibit higher than normal incidences of obesity, high cholesterol levels, inactivity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. How effective can professionals in ministry be with such debilities and vulnerabilities? Are clergy too busy helping others to take care of themselves?
Gwen Halaas's caring and savvy book addresses clergy health directly: clergy have a spiritual as well as physical need to care for themselves, to live to the fullest, to ensure that they enjoy the life and gifts God gave them. Building her brief, practical book around the wellness wheel, Halaas emphasizes not just healthy eating but a whole array of life-affirming choices for clergy. Halaas provides the tools for clergy to choose growth and well-being over burnout and decline. With this practical and upbeat volume, clergy can begin to put their own lives in perspective and ''keep [themselves] in training for a godly life'' (1 Timothy 4:7).
Gwen Halaas's caring and savvy book addresses clergy health directly: clergy have a spiritual as well as physical need to care for themselves, to live to the fullest, to ensure that they enjoy the life and gifts God gave them. Building her brief, practical book around the wellness wheel, Halaas emphasizes not just healthy eating but a whole array of life-affirming choices for clergy. Halaas provides the tools for clergy to choose growth and well-being over burnout and decline. With this practical and upbeat volume, clergy can begin to put their own lives in perspective and ''keep [themselves] in training for a godly life'' (1 Timothy 4:7).
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9780800636579
- eBook ISBN 9781451409192
- Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
- Pages 128
- Publication Date May 18, 2004
Endorsements
''Every pastor in America needs a copy of this book—STAT! This resource fills a huge gap on seminary bookshelves. Dr. Halaas, a physician who is expert in wellness protocol, also has great understanding of the unique challenges facing clergy today. Suitable for use by individuals or clergy groups, this book provides a wealth of data and suggestions for improving the personal health of America's ministers, who far too often sacrifice their own health and well-being (and that of their family), to serve the pressing needs of others.''
— The Rev. Deborah L. Patterson, Executive Director, International Parish Nurse Resource Center, and author of The Essential Parish Nurse: ABCs for Congregational Health Ministry
''The special needs for clergy wellness are well-documented, and Dr. Halaas provides a comprehensive road map for initiating healthy change. 'The Right Road' can help clergy find the balance needed to strengthen their ministry and their lives.''
— William S. Craddock Jr., Managing Director of CREDO Institute
''The Right Road is like 'mapquest' for anyone who wants to be a healthy leader enhancing lives. If you are thinking about having a more balanced lifestyle this provides great directions for you. If you are headed in the wrong direction and need to make a U-turn, Dr. Halaas provides a prescription for you. If you are making plans to begin a healthier life, you'll find helpful tips and suggestions. If you are well on your way to a healthier life you'll find inspiration (along with your perspiration) to 'fight the good fight, to run the race.'''
— The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp, ELCA Board of Pensions, Vice President-Customer Outreach, author of Sign for These Times (CPH)
''Gwen Wagstrom Halaas' experiences as a family physician and wife of a pastor have given her a keen understanding of the many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges facing today's clergy. She understands how the demands of ministry make it difficult for clergy to take proper care of themselves. In The Right Road Dr. Halaas offers valuable advice that clergy can use to enhance their own health and to lead their congregations in ministries of health and healing. This is a book that should be read by every pastor and by congregational leaders concerned about the health and well-being of clergy.''
— W. Daniel Hale, co-author of Healing Bodies and Souls: A Practical Guide for Congregations
''The Right Road is the right book at the right time.''
The Right Road is a detailed guide for the entire religious community to focus on how to live and die well. Through its workbook approach of questions, and simple lists and tools, The Right Road can be a resource for congregations to practice a more healthful way of caring...for each other, their pastor and themselves.''
''An important resource for every congregation interested in enhancing and supporting their pastor and each other to a healthier road of life.''
— Barbara A. Boigegrain, General Secretary, United Methodist Church General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
— The Rev. Deborah L. Patterson, Executive Director, International Parish Nurse Resource Center, and author of The Essential Parish Nurse: ABCs for Congregational Health Ministry
''The special needs for clergy wellness are well-documented, and Dr. Halaas provides a comprehensive road map for initiating healthy change. 'The Right Road' can help clergy find the balance needed to strengthen their ministry and their lives.''
— William S. Craddock Jr., Managing Director of CREDO Institute
''The Right Road is like 'mapquest' for anyone who wants to be a healthy leader enhancing lives. If you are thinking about having a more balanced lifestyle this provides great directions for you. If you are headed in the wrong direction and need to make a U-turn, Dr. Halaas provides a prescription for you. If you are making plans to begin a healthier life, you'll find helpful tips and suggestions. If you are well on your way to a healthier life you'll find inspiration (along with your perspiration) to 'fight the good fight, to run the race.'''
— The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp, ELCA Board of Pensions, Vice President-Customer Outreach, author of Sign for These Times (CPH)
''Gwen Wagstrom Halaas' experiences as a family physician and wife of a pastor have given her a keen understanding of the many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges facing today's clergy. She understands how the demands of ministry make it difficult for clergy to take proper care of themselves. In The Right Road Dr. Halaas offers valuable advice that clergy can use to enhance their own health and to lead their congregations in ministries of health and healing. This is a book that should be read by every pastor and by congregational leaders concerned about the health and well-being of clergy.''
— W. Daniel Hale, co-author of Healing Bodies and Souls: A Practical Guide for Congregations
''The Right Road is the right book at the right time.''
The Right Road is a detailed guide for the entire religious community to focus on how to live and die well. Through its workbook approach of questions, and simple lists and tools, The Right Road can be a resource for congregations to practice a more healthful way of caring...for each other, their pastor and themselves.''
''An important resource for every congregation interested in enhancing and supporting their pastor and each other to a healthier road of life.''
— Barbara A. Boigegrain, General Secretary, United Methodist Church General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
Table of Contents
Preface
Notes
Fur Further Reading
-
Introduction
The Story of RL
The Wholeness Wheel
What Is Health?
The Importance of Self-Care
Sarah's Story: RL's Wife
-
Physical Well-Being: A Healthy Body
Keep Your Body Physically Active
Feed Your Body Healthy Food
Give Your Body Adequate Rest
Have a Healthy Sex Life
-
Emotional Well-Being: A Healthy Mind
Recognize Stress and Develop Coping Skills
Susan, RL's Administrive Assistant
Welcome Change and Learn How to Adapt
Learn How to Prevent Depression and Recognize Its Signs
Work at Being Happy
Greg: Assistant to the Bishop
-
Intellectual Well-Being
Exercise Your Mind
Lifelong Learning
Daughter Deborah
-
Social/Interpersonal Well-Being: High-Quality Personal Relationships
Love God
Love Yourself
Love Your Family
Love Your Neighbors
Mutual Ministry
-
Vocational Well-Being
Seek Fulfillment in Your Vocation
Be Confident in Your Calling
Leave a Legacy
Manage Time Well
Understand the Purpose of Work
Grow in Your Profession
Update on RL
-
Spiritual Well-Being
Be Knowledgeable about Your Faith
Practice Your Faith
Sabbath
-
Living Well
Prepare for Illness
Manage Your Illness
Dying Well
A Prescription for Your Health
Ten Best Practices for Health and Wellness
RL's Sabbatical
-
Health and Wellness in Public Ministry
Self-Care: Pastor or Physician
Self-Care
Healthy Habits
Wellness Planning or Activities
Boundaries
Lifelong Learning
Sabbatical
Spiritual Growth
Sabbath
Pastor Mary
-
The Gift of Ministry
Qualities of Good Ministers
Congregational Expectations of Pastors
Change and Challenges
Leadership Style
The Gift of Ministry
Notes
Fur Further Reading