“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:27

Day 11 – Physical Health

Paul David Tripp has written on the importance of pastors giving serious consideration and action to pursuing physical health. In his book, Lead, he describes said a pastor or ministry leader should ”see his physical body as an instrument of his calling, and because he does, he gives it proper attention and care.”

This topic has become seemingly more popular to discuss with workouts like CrossFit becoming mainstream, but not everyone can or should CrossFit. However, as Paul David Tripp wrote, pastors should see their physical body as an instrument that can be used by God for the sake of the Gospel and respond accordingly. This may look different depending on a multitude of things, but let’s pray for our pastors as they consider how to care for themselves so that they can for their people:

• Commitment to stewarding their physical health for the sake of their family, church, and the Gospel
• Ability to carve out time in their week to routinely focus on physical health
• Stamina to endure the stresses and physical needs of pastoral ministry

Prayer Prompt

Lord, I pray that my pastor (for a church member)/ I (as a pastor) may see how their physical health can be used as an instrument by you God. I ask that you give them the ability to grow in strength and stamina to serve your church and their family. May you prolong their days serving you through physical wellness…