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Being fit as pastors: do we practice what we preach?

August 13, 2007 at 10:56 am, by Rich Kirkpatrick

Beforeafter
As one who is living this out, I think it is interesting when the media shines a light on the issue.  Pastors are fat.  We need to work on this issue just like any other sin.  After losing over 50 pounds last year and struggling with my weight for years, I am not ready to give up.  We need to be examples as Christians when it comes to health and fitness.  After all, the body is a temple.

Here is what was written in the news at the Sacramento Bee:  Weighty sermons:  more pastors are preaching healthy lifestyles…and starting with themselves.

…The percentage of clergy who are overweight and therefore at risk
for serious health problems is higher than among the general U.S.
population, according to reports on clergy health.

"They’re
pretty stressed people who work long hours and often have unhealthy
eating habits — think of all those church potlucks," says Robin Swift,
director of the Clergy Health Initiative for the Duke Divinity School.
"A lot of them feel overwhelmed."

In 2004, a survey of 2,500
ministers by Pulpit and Pew, based at Duke, found that 76 percent of
Christian clergy were overweight, compared with 61 percent of the
general population.

Over at Vintage Faith a good discussion is going on about this topic.  All I can say is that this thing is not that easy.  It has been a hard part of my life’s journey to figure some of this out.  Christian’s should lead in this area, right?

HT:  Vintage Faith: I Wonder Why This is Happening

Categories Christian Life, Current Affairs, Health & Fitness, Leadership | Tags: before and after picture, obese, pastors, weight loss

  • http://derricklogan.blogspot.com Derrick Logan

    Congratulations, Rich, on your success in this. Christians should be leading in this and it’s great to see you running with it.

  • http://pinkhairedgirl.net Crystal Renaud

    dang, dude. you look fantastic.

  • http://www.livesalty.com Dustin

    crap dude, I gotta get on a treadmill!

  • http://rkweblog.com Rich Kirkpatrick

    Treadmills do work for me. Its all about simply not eating more than you need and burning more calories. I hate that…but it is the truth.

  • http://www.zachtanksley.com Zach

    Man dude,

    Comparing those pictures is like a twilight zone effect. Glad you are in great shape, and good having a steamed rice lunch with you. I miss my fried rice … :(

  • http://www.lifemusicministry.com Jon

    I just started my quest to become more healthy and drop some pounds, about 2 weeks ago. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • http://billychia.com Billy Chia

    Rich,
    I do have to say that you are inspiring me to take better care of myself.

  • http://www.johnnylaird.blogspot.com Johnny Laird

    Man, you must have done some serious work there, bro’!

    Peace & Blessings

    J

  • http://betterthanblank.org Alex McLean

    that’s awesome! We’re using this theme for our January series called “Life Gets Fit”. Any content you happen across would be greatly appreciated.

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