Fat Pastors: Do As I Say, Not As I Do

I randomly came across this stat the other day and it forced to the surface some thoughts and feelings I've had for a number of years. Here's the stat:

- 73% of pastors are overweight with 50% more than 30 lbs overweight

This is a classic example of "do as I say, not as I do". From pulpits all across North America every Sunday congregates are warned of the dangers of alcohol, smoking, promiscuous sex, money, and - depending on the convictions or biblical interpretations of the one doing the majority of the talking - other sinful behavior (gossip, maybe?).

I will never forget my experience with one charismatic teacher who, being a good 80-100lbs overweight, justified his girth by saying, "Being from the south, I love food" while patting his round belly. The congregation gave him what he wanted - a loving, "he's a good ol' boy" chuckle - and he carried right along. The ironic thing was that in the following weeks he was absent from the pulpit because of various health issues, including a knee surgery that undoubtedly was required due to the excess amount of weight he was asking his knees to support.

I'll be honest: I have a hard time respecting a pastor who  vehemently speaks out against sin and ignores his sin of gluttony and overindulgence. It seems to me that the same biblical text quoted in support of not smoking or drinking - 1 Cor. 6:19, 20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - while dealing contextually with sexual sin, would apply here. I mean, if our bodies truly are a temple of the Holy Spirit, wouldn't it be appropriate that we take care of them and do everything we can to "honor God" with our bodies?!?

"But he doesn't have time to exercise or work out - he's too busy preparing for the sermon, visiting the sick, praying for the lost, going on missions trips..." Give me a break and stop making excuses for your fat pastor. If he's practicing what he's preaching, he'll MAKE the time, because he reads his Bible and understands that the way he treats his body - how he fuels it (food) and how he maintains it (exercise and rest) are acts of worship.

Do yourself and your church a favor and start holding your pastors accountable in the area of food and gluttony. It will pay off in the long run and add literal years to their lives.

Comments

[Heather]

I agree with you for the most part, and for 99% of the cases, you're totally right, but there are a few things can cause someone to be overweight like different illnesses. I know thryoid problems can cause people to gain a lot of weih quickly, and if you're taking steriods(the kind that doctors prescribe), then you're likely to gain weight. But for the most part, I agree. They definitely should be takin better care of their bodies.

[James Flanders]

I loved the post!

I am a pastor who is attempting to not only reach pastors, but Christians in general who are really doing a rotten job of caring for their earth suit.

Thanks for saying what few people have the courage to say!

Be blessed man!
James Flanders

[david]

great point!

I've thought the same thing for years

it's hard for me.. someone who is in good shape.. to respect a lazy fat person

[Colleen]

It is so interesting that we focus on the outward. Should a pastor not preach against any of these habits or abuses until his is perfect? We would never preach the Gospel. Yes, we all need to look at areas where we maybe lacking obediance to the Lord. What about the pastor who is dealing with other eating disorders? Will you be as firm in your convictions if they are body consumed?

[Lisa]

I can understand having a problem with it if someone's being overweight has to due with their lack of excerice and excessive eating, but I think it's important to remember that not everyone who is overweight is that way by choice.

My best friend has struggled with her weight for years. Yet she is one of the healthiest people I know. At the gym five times a week and eats great. Yet many times she's been judged as been lazy or an overeater, just because of her size.

Healthy eating and exercise is very important, but it can't always be linked with weight. We know now more than ever that there are many health problems out there that make it difficult for people to lose weight. And way too often people are quick to put all overweight people in the same boat.

I'm not saying that's what you are doing here. I'm just saying that we need to be very cautious and considerate when talking about a subject like this, especially if we've never struggled with it.

[Stephen]

Alright... I realize I'm a few days late to the party, but I'll jump into this one from a devil's advocate perspective. Does this mean, Jer, that you didn't not have respect for me as a pastor due to my weight issues? Has your respect for me not as a person, but simply as a pastor gone up now that I've lost 100lbs? What about if I still have a bit more to lose? While I understand the thought that "I don't have time" is an excuse, that only goes so far. I wrestle every day with my time priorities as a pastor. Am I supposed to go to the gym, or meet the kid who needs to talk? Do I go to the gym or have a night with my wife? Is "gym" time work time, or is it out of work time? Should my exorbitant pastoral salary pay for my gym membership or should the church?

And we haven't even touched this... how do you know whether or not the weight of said individual is health related or not? I went through my entire high school gaining weight by the fistful due to drugs associated to a medical issue. I LOOKED perfectly fine, but couldn't even tie my shoes or bend over. If I'm never able to lose that weight, does it make me less of a pastor? Yes, I believe there is an aspect of practice what you preach, and we too easily gloss over the sin of glutony, but can we paint with such a wide brush? Obesity is an obvious issue... pornography and infidelity not so much.

And then of course, does this not apply to all walks of life? How many musicians get on stage and talk about how Jesus is calling us to care for the disenfranchised, and the poor and sick, and then get in the fancy car and drive to their big house (granted, not as many in christian music as secular, but you get my point:) and live in excess?

While I understand the heart of what you are saying dear brother,and agree with you, I don't think it's that simple. And as a former fat man who struggled mightily with it, and wrestled hugely with issues of self worth and image as a result, I think those who maybe aren't the same boat will need to be gentle and caring in the way they approach it. Not all of us are going to have a passion for the gym and running like you :)

Love ya dude!

the little brother

[Shelia]

Wow, Jeremy. Incredibly insightful! Delivered with grace, sincerity, and integrity. Speak on.

[Miss Maria D.]

These blogs of yours actually always make me think which is nicer than usual blogs which just make you roll your eyes a bit

[Mark Jaffrey]

Great. Thanks a bunch Jeremy, just what I need right now, another dose of conviction. It doesn't help that I was tucking into a handful of chocolate covered peanuts while catching up on my blog feeds :-)

Hope you're doing well mate.

[kari]

Dude. I was just talking about this with Ted the other day. It really does make me cringe when I see pastors preaching to people about alcohol, drugs, etc but are a walking heart attack. I would guess that diabetes and heart disease kill many more each year than alcohol or drug abuse. You're right on the mark. The good news is there seems to be a trend among younger pastors to correct this.