While medical
studies at various denominations indicate that clergy members live longer than
their comparable civilians, an emerging body of evidence over the last two
decades has shown that ministers are more vulnerable to diabetes, depression,
hypertension, gastrointestinal distress, and heart problems. Thus far,
the program has conducted focus groups with nearly 90 Methodist ministers and
assessed ministers on their physical and mental health. They surveyed
1,800 pastors on topics like isolation, stress, happiness, friendship,
exercise, weight, diet, and connection to God. Two dozen Methodist
leaders from North Carolina went through two days of medical tests and health
education at a denominational hospital in Memphis. It's really
interesting that this study is being done, and now they're looking at whether
or not having a minister or another member of the cloth can actually increase
someone's life if they're dealing with them. They're interesting studies
and worth looking into.
