Understand

Let’s raise awareness about our health. First Ministry Care wants to point out members will notice a lot of information and services on emotional, mental and relational health needs.  This page will provide several stories and questions to prompt you to consider your health needs.

Now we do not want to minimize your spiritual needs, because we know your spiritual needs are the basis for your stability and purpose for your life.  We will not forget your physical health needs either, which also include medical resources and services.

So as you read the stories below and answer the questions that follow.  Before considering how to change each person in the story, consider all aspects of health that need to be understood.

John’s Story …

As the pastor of an evangelical church in a Midwestern suburb, John was hitting his stride.  Literally, John was well liked by his church family and he confidently lead the growing congregation according to the Word of God.  He lived as if Jesus’ return was imminent and spoke God’s Word passionately.

While searching for an illustration he could use for his New Year’s sermon, he came across a web article titled, “What trips your trigger?”.  As he read about a man who became easily frustrated with daily annoyances, he understood.  John wasn’t sure if this article would work as an appropriate illustration, though he read further, since he was intrigued by the man’s honesty.  John connected with the man’s struggle with feeling pressed by numerous home and church needs.   John recognized he had similar issues as the man in the article, experiencing several nights of interrupted sleep, especially after board meetings.

John thought to himself, for a brief moment, is the man’s reactions in this article normal?  Then he asked himself quietly, Am I even normal as a minister to react similar to him?

What are you thoughts here?   How is John being physically affected?  Spiritually affected?  Emotionally?  Mentally?  Relationally?

Does John or the man (in the article) experience normal reactions to pressure or stress?

If his reactions are normal, does that mean he does not need help?  Or if his reactions are not normal, should he get help?

Do you think if John placed some attention on how he could respond to pressure or stress in his ministry, would the attention help his health?  Would it help him to be able to help others?

June’s Story…

June felt younger than her age, was often found working more hours at the church than expected because she enjoyed serving others.  As a wife and mother of two youngsters, June found time to meet her families’ needs and ministry expectations.  June was a godly example of giving to others, not expecting a return, especially when giving to families who needed God’s help.

One day, June was not surprised to hear her husband say over the phone, “When are you coming home?”  She gave her normal reply, “You’ll see me when you see me”.  Opps, she thought, I should’ve said it that way.

Before she could correct her words, her husband hung up.  Realizing there was a problem, she left the church for home then got a text from her 12 year old daughter saying, “dinner?????”.

How is June being physically affected?  Spiritually affected?  Emotionally?  Mentally?  Relationally?

Do you relate a little or a lot to June’s situation?  How?

What options does June have while contemplating her family’s concerns while driving home?

What can she do to handle the immediate concerns?  What options does she have for potential long term issues?

Self Awareness

Generally we know we are far from perfect and will admit our failures to our friends and church family.  Admitting personal knowledge (concerns, issues, hurtful tendencies etc) to our self and/or our family is generally more difficult.  Some professionals call this difficulty to admit as “denial” and other times “avoidance”.

If you feel a little bit uncomfortable right now, join the club.  We all have the ability and tendency to deny, avoid and even procrastinate when it comes to taking care of important of our health needs and/or our family relationships.  We often feel uncomfortable, that increases our avoidance reactions.

Asking God to raise our awareness about our health and family’s relational health, is one way to initiate change of these hurtful tendencies.  Finding peace from God to overcome our discomfort is key.  Reading, listening or asking others for help are also strategies God uses to promote change.

After reading and considering what Ministry Care does to raise awareness, go to the next button called:  Contemplation.  Specific information, links and resources will be displayed to assist you in considering possible change.

Take a Self Care Inventory (assessment)

Note:  Helpful links and resources are being developed for future use on this page, including surveys and questionnaires regarding emotional and relational well being.  Thanks for your patience.