Kentucky Baptist Pastors Tackle Weighty Issues | Baptist Life

Challenges of Pastoral Life & the Importance of Wellness

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You, as a pastor, face substantial responsibilities every day, and managing stress is part of your calling. Your work can be isolating and demanding, often accompanied by late nights, meetings, and frequent fast food stops. These heavy responsibilities can sometimes translate into personal weight gain, resulting in many pastors needing motivation, encouragement, and accountability. Fortunately, the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Pastoral Wellness initiative has become a valuable resource for Kentucky Baptist pastors.

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Success Stories from the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Pastoral Wellness Initiative

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Josh Schmidt, pastor of Burlington Baptist Church in Northern Kentucky, recently reached a significant milestone – losing over 100 pounds across a year-long journey. This achievement has proven that it must be more than just a diet, but a lifestyle change. Schmidt admits that he still has a long way to go, but he maintains his commitment by finding enjoyable exercises and dedicating time despite the busy pastoral life.

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Schmidt attended a Healthy Habits event through Harold Best’s Pastoral Wellness initiative in January, where he found other pastors like himself needing help on their fitness journey. He realized that the accountability from other pastors cheering him on was what he needed the most.

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The Power of Peer Support Among Pastors

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Harold Best, the financial support and pastoral wellness consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC), is a former pastor and KBC regional consultant. He understands the challenges of ministry and has been encouraged by what he has seen from pastors committed to improving their health. The pastors cheer for each other and celebrate weight-loss milestones, meeting once a month on Zoom to share encouraging stories about their progress and lifestyle changes.

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Valuable Resources in Weight-Loss Journey

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Nathan Whisnant, associational mission strategist in the Daviess-McLean Association, has been part of the cohort leadership team. Together with Kyle Noffsinger, pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Princeton, they understand the importance of pastors being as healthy as possible for many reasons. Whisnant himself lost 35 pounds in 2013 and has kept it off.

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Nathan and his wife, Tammy, co-wrote a book, Imagine Not as Much, a guide to a healthier lifestyle that covers four fitness areas – nutrition, physical health, motivation, and spiritual health. The book, available on Amazon, has been a helpful guide for those on a weight-loss journey.

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Strength Training for Total Health Fitness

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Noffsinger, whose family owns a gym, is passionate about fitness not only for himself but for other Kentucky Baptist pastors as well. He believes that the better you feel, the better you will be able to help others in their time of need. Noffsinger emphasizes the importance of weight training, walking or running, and maintaining a healthy diet.

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Other Pastors’ Success in Weight Loss Journey

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In addition to Schmidt, Best noted that other pastors are also taking a closer look at their fitness. Mark Webb of Union Baptist, who has lost 74 pounds, and Matt Ellis of White Hall, are just a few examples. Schmidt’s weight loss has come through a change in diet along with walking and lifting weights.

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Schmidt’s wife, Lauren, joined him on the journey and has also lost weight. They have four children under age 8, and their goal is to be around for their grandchildren – and that starts with making better health choices now.

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