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
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…
[...] Statistics: Physical Health of Pastors [...]
[...] Stats: Health of the Pastor’s Family” and “Burn-out Stats: Physical Health of Pastors” – Posts on the theme of ministry or pastoral burn-out continue to be among the most [...]
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.