Improving United Methodist clergy wellness through exercise and Scripture reading

The leadership of the United Methodist Church has tacitly empowered clergy to disregard a component of their theological anthropology. The sin that has become acceptable is obesity and a lack of concern for one's physical wellness. Shortened careers, disease, illness, lack of job satisfaction, and mounting health care costs are some of the damages resulting from insufficient focus on holistic health.;Spiritual disciplines, specifically Scripture reading, and the call to holy living in the doctrine of the United Methodist Church provide sufficient means to lead ministerial professionals to healthier lives and longer careers of uninterrupted local church service. The purpose of the study was to measure the effects of exerceo divina, a two-month program involving cardiovascular exercise and Scripture reading (lectio divina ), on the physical and spiritual well-being of participating pastors in the Statesboro District of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.;I utilized two instruments and recorded diagnostic data (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight) at pretest and posttest meetings, which were coordinated with the district superintendent. The hope for the study was to find a connection among the body, mind, and soul in order to contribute to a healthier, holistic lifestyle. I found that blood pressure significantly decreased with participation in the study, and the participating clergy requested further dietary instruction and stricter accountability.