A series of clergy health articles by Gwen Wagstrom Halaas

Dr. Gwen Halaas, the former director of Ministerial Health and Wellness for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and author of The Right Road: Life Choices for Clergy, delivers a presentation at the Church-wide Health and Wellness Summit in January. The other main presenter at the summit was the Rev. William Lee, pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church, Roanoke, Va., and current Moderator for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Among the more than 60 people attending from around the United States was Rebecca Littlejohn, pastor, First Christian Church, Anniston, Ala., and member of the DHM Board of Directors. She thinks clergy do serve as role models whether they realize it or not.

"As a young, relatively healthy pastor, I know that I've been taking a lot for granted.  But as I examined my lifestyle, it became clear that if I don't change my habits soon, I won't be as healthy as I like to think I'll be."

Watch upcoming issues of the Home Mission Advocate for a series of articles on health and wellness by Dr. Halaas.