Devine encourages clergy to focus on their God-given
strengths and gifts instead of feeling responsible to lead every project or task in a congregation. “We, as leaders, are to mentor and model a life that is different from society, to be countercultural,” she said. Nine years ago Stephen Talmage, bishop of the Grand
Canyon Synod, was shocked to learn he needed quadruple bypass surgery. Realizing that stress was a major factor affecting his health, Talmage vowed after his surgery to alter his lifestyle. “That really began my journey trying to maintain a
healthier lifestyle in the midst of a job that is very unhealthy,” he said. “The life of a bishop is just not healthy because you are constantly responding to high stress environments.” Although he continues to travel a lot, Talmage sets aside
time every day for cardio exercise and does his best to eat right and get more sleep. In the synod’s January e-newsletter, Talmage wrote about
his health journey, sharing how he sees himself as a witness to synod pastors and lay leaders. “One, they know I had a health crisis. Two, the majority of them know they’re not as healthy as they should be. If they see that I can own my own struggle and take responsibility for it, and not in a self-righteous way but in an honest way, then I believe and I hope that it is an encouragement to other rostered leaders to steward their own bodies,” he said. Patricia Decker, a pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, struggled with her weight most of her life. Several years ago she decided to confront it once and for all and lost 71 pounds. Her congregation has been supportive and many members have been inspired to make changes in their lives. “It sparks conversation about health and some members
who struggle with their own weight loss have felt that they could strike up a conversation about that now,” Decker said. A weekly Zumba class at the church helps Decker and other
members keep on top of their health goals. Decker also takes her own food to church events. “It’s so
much easier because it’s about being at the church with people and being part of the fellowship. I’m not there to eat, I’m there to be with people,” she said. Portico’s Go! Challenge provides resources for congrega-
tions to help support their leaders as they work toward a health- ier, more balanced lifestyle (visit the “Call to Live Well” section at
porticobenefits.org). “It’s been exciting to see that leaders across the country are
talking more publicly about the importance of healthy living,” said Jeff Thiemann, Portico president and CEO. “They’re making healthy changes and they’re sharing the journey with those they lead.”
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Percentage of ELCA clergy and rostered laypeople at risk for certain health conditions
Risk
High blood pressure Poor emotional health Not enough exercise Poor nutrition Overweight
Percentage 56.2 59.5 58.0 71.5 72.5
Buchbinder is public media relations and media specialist for ELCA Mission Advancement.
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LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG 35
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