Over the last several articles, we have looked at many aspects of a healthy student ministry worker — their relationship with God, their pastor and their family. The health of a student ministry worker is often expressed in their relationships. However, it isn’t only relationships that we must be aware of because we are created as body, mind and spirit. We need to take care of ourselves in a variety of areas. This week, we need to think about our physical life. There are times that I have done very well in this area. As of late, that hasn’t been the case. So today, I write to myself as much as to anyone else. These are some simple, but often ignored, keys to physical health we all should embrace:
• A student ministry worker should take time for exercise. Over the years, I have done a variety of things for exercise. I have walked, run, biked and worked out in a gym. Perhaps my favorite exercise has been martial arts. It is full of body-weight exercises like kicking, punching and jumping. There is strategy and comradery with the others that are training. Whatever you choose, we must start moving our bodies.
• A student ministry worker should do their best to sleep. Sleep seems to be elusive to many of us in ministry. The stress of being on call 24/7 can make it difficult to rest. In addition, we make poor choices and feel like we can make it up through a steady diet of coffee and Mountain Dew. Go to bed a little earlier this week and see how it feels. It is an investment in you, your health, your family and your ministry.
• A student ministry worker should embrace a good diet. A diet of pizza, Skittles and Doritos is not going to ensure optimal performance. A basic diet of whole foods with less sugar is one where you can’t go wrong. One of the other keys is one we all know — everything in moderation.
We often don’t think about our physical health until things start going wrong. We need to embrace a physically healthier lifestyle earlier in life so we can extend the length of our ministries and time with our families. In addition, being physically healthy is a great example to our students. Let’s take some steps toward better health. I know I must make a greater effort in this area myself.
Pastors and church members, if you want to help your student ministry worker pursue a healthier lifestyle, make room for it in their daily schedule or even provide a gym membership. Look for opportunities to encourage your youth worker toward better health.
