What is the impact of physical exercise on the spiritual life of clergy as they try to be good stewards of their body while being faithful to fulfill their pastoral call? The problem is that clergy, in a sedentary occupation, can become physically unhealthy by engaging in meaningful ministry but neglecting to take care of themselves as they care for others. This work is a beacon to the church community that the Apostle Paul, modern day writers, twenty-six clergy and the researcher declare a correlation between physical fitness and the spiritual life of clergy. Physical health can positively affect a person's spiritual health. There is not only a link between physical and spiritual disciplines but there is a benefit to clergy, their families, and their church community when clergy are physically active. It is important for clergy to be good stewards of their bodies while developing a regular rhythm of physical activity. In so doing, they will be equipped, in a greater way, to faithfully fulfill their call.

Clergy suffer from certain health issues at a rate higher than the general population. Why are pastors in such poor health? And what can be done to help them step into the abundant life God desires for them? Although anecdotal observations about poor clergy health abound, concrete data from multiple sources supporting this claim hasn't been made accessible--until now. Duke's Clergy Health Initiative (CHI), a major, decade-long research project, provides a true picture of the clergy health crisis over time and demonstrates that improving the health of pastors is possible. Bringing together the best in social science and medical research, this book quantifies the poor health of clergy with theological engagement. Although the study focused on United Methodist ministers, the authors interpret CHI's groundbreaking data for a broad ecumenical readership. In addition to physical health, the book examines mental health and spiritual well-being, and suggests that increasing positive mental health may prevent future physical and mental health problems for clergy. Concrete suggestions tailored to clergy are woven throughout the book.

The undeniable truth for many is that their spirit is in pain. It is manifested in many ways, such as anger, grief, anxiety, depression, or a lack of hope in their future. The most immediate need is to realize there is a means to overcome the pain, and it involves having a spiritual life. This is the basis for this work's initial printing in 2012. Since the initial printing of the book's first edition, entitled Spirituality: Key to Physical and Mental Well-Being, it has become apparent to the writer that this pained spirit operates deceptively by lack of reason and purpose. This absence of rational-based thinking and preference for emotional feelings over reasoned behaviors represents our present place. This is how our world has adapted to the luxuries and illusions of security in the present social order. The result is a lack of critical concern for the individual's (and civilized societies) survival to be assured into the future. The theoretical address to this perceptual shift is the reason for the reprint of this book with two parts. The second part addresses this issue. It is entitled The Modern Perceptual Shift: Preference for Emotional Responses as Reality. It is important to understand that, although this book appears to be a scholarly and difficult read, it is essential to the well-being of the individual as a parent and productive member of society. In order to understand our world and our individual functioning, a read and consideration of this book is vital. To the mental health professional, this treatment provides a balanced approach to utilizing therapy to assist clients in gaining control over their world.

What does “missional” mean for small Christian communities in a deeply secular society? Leading missiologist Stefan Paas asks what missional spirituality could possibly mean for today’s local church. This fully revised new international edition will make this an important introduction to contemporary thinking on mission and the church.

In this important and urgent message to pastors, G. Lloyd Rediger emphasizes the necessity of integrating fitness of body, mind, and spirit in order to attain fulfillment of personhood and calling. Not immune from the debilitating unfitness that is endemic in America, pastors must be fit if they are to facilitate God's purposes in the world. Rediger stresses that clergy need to reinvent a healthy pastoral role based on this holistic approach.

The Handbook of Religion and Health has become the seminal research text on religion, spirituality, and health, outlining a rational argument for the connection between religion and health. The Second Edition completely revises and updates the first edition. Its authors are physicians: a psychiatrist and geriatrician, a primary care physician, and a professor of nursing and specialist in mental health nursing. The Second Edition surveys the historical connections between religion and health and grapples with the distinction between the terms ''religion'' and ''spirituality'' in research and clinical practice. It reviews research on religion and mental health, as well as extensive research literature on the mind-body relationship, and develops a model to explain how religious involvement may impact physical health through the mind-body mechanisms. It also explores the direct relationships between religion and physical health, covering such topics as immune and endocrine function, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, neurological disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases; and examines the consequences of illness including chronic pain, disability, and quality of life. Finally, the Handbook reviews research methods and addresses applications to clinical practice. Theological perspectives are interwoven throughout the chapters. The Handbook is the most insightful and authoritative resource available to anyone who wants to understand the relationship between religion and health.

The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

"God's eternal plan for us involves our body. We can't write off our physical life as spiritually irrelevant." — Sam Allberry There's a danger in focusing too much on the body. There's also a danger in not valuing it enough. In fact, the Bible has lots to say about the body. With the coming of Jesus, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"—flesh that was pierced and crushed for the sins of the world. In What God Has to Say about Our Bodies, Sam Allberry explains that all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made, and should regard our physicality as a gift. He offers biblical guidance for living, including understanding gender, sexuality, and identity; dealing with aging, illness, and death; and considering the physical future hope that we have in Christ. In this powerfully written book, you'll gain a new understanding for the immeasurable value of our bodies and God's ultimate plan to redeem them.