Does it matter?

[rural_preacher]

Are overweight and out-of-shape (physically undisciplined) pastors limiting the effectiveness of their ministry? Or is one's physical condition and habits irrelevant to the effectiveness of their ministry?

opinions...

(I am not speaking of those with involuntary disabilities or prolonged illnesses)



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[pastoroats]

As a Pastor who travels, and meet many pastors, I think it does not matter what matters is is the anointing is apart of that pastors Life...

 

[eldermike]

Yes, it's a limiting factor IMHO. This is a cultural issue to a large degree. But conditioning is a factor in war. Good physical condition is not a certain body type. It's simple: eat right and walk. I personally fight this issue, I can gain 30 lbs and then get convicted about it and lose it.

 

[arunma]

Well, a healthier person usually can do mental work more effectively as well. Ideally, I'd say that a pastor should be in decent shape. It's not so bad. Our pastor is 59; all he does is run on a treadmill every morning, and he's in great shape.

 

[DiscipleOfIAm]

My wife has a real problem with overweight pastors. She feels it is an issue of self control and the pastor is to set an example to the congregation. How can a pastor teach the healthy habits of life and preserve the temple of God (your body), when he treats his body badly? I agree with her. Smart lady IMHO.

 

[P_G]

I got a few extra pounds but I don't think that reduces my annointing to shepherd the flock. Fact is the most wonderful pastor I ever met was Pastor Ernie down in Key West and he was as plump as a butterball turkey. And one day I pray that I could be half the pastor he is!


PG (Porky Guy)

 

[InHisSpirit]

I would have to say no. Overeating is a sin just like any other sin. The difference is this one can be physically seen. All pastors sin.There are no guidelines in the Bible for spiritual leaders concerning weight. No alcohol, etc...yes then no. These sins can distort the pastors in many ways from his job and from God. I hope this makes sense...

 

[9-iron]

It doesn't seem to bother John Hagee's ministry...

 

[DiscipleOfIAm]

It doesn't seem to bother John Hagee's ministry...

Birds of a feather flock together! I'm not a big fan of Hagee, sorry.

 

[mesue]

I don't know. We all struggle with the flesh in one way or the other. We are who we are. We were beautifully and wonderfully woven in the womb. God knows every hair on our head and loves us anyway. God looks on the inward parts. Who am I to say?

 

[Andyman_1970]

My wife has a real problem with overweight pastors. She feels it is an issue of self control and the pastor is to set an example to the congregation. How can a pastor teach the healthy habits of life and preserve the temple of God (your body), when he treats his body badly? I agree with her. Smart lady IMHO.

I would agree with your wife. It's hard for me to listen to my overweight associate pastor rail on iffy issues like wearing flip flops to church when he himself is not being a good steward to what God has given him.

 

[mesue]

I would agree with your wife. It's hard for me to listen to my overweight associate pastor rail on iffy issues like wearing flip flops to church when he himself is not being a good steward to what God has given him.

See, that's why it's hard for me to say. I cannot judge futher than the length of my yard stick.

 

[Andyman_1970]

See, that's why it's hard for me to say. I cannot judge futher than the length of my yard stick.

Unfortunately I've witnessed his eating habits................

 

[kidsminister]

I would encourage you to be careful about judging overweight pastors...

I happen to be one!

I am presently working on a plan to lose weight, and have lost 15 pounds so far, but I am still about 83 pounds from my ultimate goal. So if you looked at me, you may not be able to tell that I'm actually working toward losing weight, unless you knew me 15 pounds ago (and then, only by comparing pictures of me then to now!).

You never know whether someone who is overweight is actively pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Even if you see them eating something that you don't think is "appropriate" for a weight loss plan - the Weight Watchers program allows you to eat whatever you want as long as you stay within your points for the day!

I know what you mean, though - I sometimes think gluttony is the only accepted vice in today's Christian church. Just be careful - perceptions are not always reality.

God bless!

 

[Andyman_1970]

I know what you mean, though - I sometimes think gluttony is the only accepted vice in today's Christian church. Just be careful - perceptions are not always reality.

God bless!

Bless you on your efforts to loose weight. I think you're right, sometimes it appears that gluttony is the only accepted "addiction" in the modern church. Look at Jacob and Esau - Esau gave up everything he could be for a momentary "hit" of food, a bowl of red lentils no less (yuck), think about how often we today give up everything God wants for us for a momentary "hit" of whatever be it food, drugs, sex, etc...............

 

[MrJim]

My wife has a real problem with overweight pastors. She feels it is an issue of self control and the pastor is to set an example to the congregation. How can a pastor teach the healthy habits of life and preserve the temple of God (your body), when he treats his body badly? I agree with her. Smart lady IMHO.

I agree-it is hard to hear a sermon on spiritual disciplines from a thick pastor. I am a somewhat thick person (6'2"/260) and I have to have an example I can see.

That being said I will not dismiss a person on physical appearance-God uses some really strange & weak vessels to communicate His truth.

 

[arunma]

It doesn't seem to bother John Hagee's ministry...

Yeah, but John Hagee thinks the world is ending in 2007. He needs that extra fat to get through the end times!

 

[Andyman_1970]

Yeah, but John Hagee thinks the world is ending in 2007.

Rrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhtttttttttttt..............

 

[P_G]

See on the other side of the scale (so to speak)

I have done the diet thing and know what it became a god of my own making! I was paying more attention to reading labels for fat and calorie content and obsessing with every last thing I ate. Sure I got down to 220 pounds and in the mean time I had stopped praying stopped singing and all but stopped reading my bible not to mention I was absolutely miserable and cross all the time. I viewed every stray calorie as a sin and hated myself and began to slip into a depression.

I quit

So I eat now 2 meals a day and I put on 40 pounds mind you I stand 6' 4" also I make fun of my wieght and rarely worry about flip flops in church. ( I could not imagine even preaching on that just fill the seats L-rd I pray)


So thats my story

Blessings

PG

 

[mesue]

I like the First Place program. It's about placing Jesus first. It has a nice devotional/Bible study and it is a balanced diet. We meet once a week and discuss the devotional. Food and fellowship, what Baptist would mind that?