Jesus is described in Luke’s Gospel as approaching adulthood by growing “...in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52, RSV) He grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially - this is an integrated model of wholeness, similar to the modern integrated model of wellness, which is also consistent with the Biblical model of shalom. In his life and ministry, he lived with intentionality and presence, unlike the hurried, distracted lifestyle that is often characteristic of North Americans in our era. Paul writes to the Romans, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This project makes the claim that clergy wellness makes a substantive difference in the pastor as preacher, such that preachers should be encouraged to leave the world’s crazy-busy pace behind, to take the models of wellness and shalom and the disciplines of prayer and Sabbath seriously both in their own living (presenting the body, letting the mind be transformed) and in their preaching, so that they might model and proclaim an integrated life of wellness as part of God’s desire for life in the Kingdom of God.
