Caring for the physical and spiritual well-being of a flock can be demanding, especially in these trying times. More than two years into the pandemic, an alarming percentage of religious leaders are experiencing significant burnout, driving them to seriously consider leaving ministry, according to the Barna Group, a research organization that has conducted thousands of interviews with faith leaders nationwide.
To help area faith leaders, pastors, and clergy renew their personal health and happiness, Blue Zones Project is hosting a Faith Summit from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. The free event will provide encouragement, fellowship, and tips for healthy living. Blue Zones Project, a well-being improvement initiative led in Fort Worth by North Texas Healthy Communities (the outreach arm of Texas Health Resources), is focused on making healthy choices easier by working with businesses, schools, and other groups—including faith-based organizations—throughout the community.
“Faith and participation in a spiritual community play a key role in overall well-being in Blue Zones areas of the world where people live the longest with less chronic disease,” explained Ricky Cotto, who serves as director of community engagement for Blue Zones Project and is also a faith leader at City Post Church in Fort Worth. “But to guide and support the needs of their congregants, area clergy and religious leaders need to guard their own health and well-being. This summit is designed to help and encourage faith-based leaders to feel less alone in their callings.”
The Blue Zones Project Faith Summit will be held at the Amon Carter Center at Lena Pope, 3200 Sanguinet St., in Fort Worth. Faith leaders will enjoy a light breakfast, then hear from Pastor James R. Womack of Destiny Church, Pastor Robert White of Freedom Church, and Matt Dufrene, vice president of Blue Zones Project/North Texas Healthy Communities. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker will offer a special welcome. The summit will look at Blue Zones Project’s food systems efforts, why the health of fellow pastors and clergy is so important, and ways to manage stress and mental health from a faith perspective. The event will end with a prayer for the city.
“It’s difficult to lead others in faith if your own physical or mental health is at risk,” stressed Cotto. “We hope area religious leaders will take this time to focus on guarding their personal well-being for the benefit of a stronger community for all of us.”
The summit is free but pre-registration is requested. Learn more and register online at BZPFaith22.eventbrite.com. Also, check out Blue Zones Project’s Power 9 principles to learn more about the connection between faith and personal well-being.