Healthy Seminarians Healthy Church
Healthy Seminarians Healthy Church
  • About Us
    • History/Vision/Values
    • Staff & Board
    • Press & News
  • Seminarians
    • Overview
    • HSHC @ CTS
  • Congregations
    • Overview
  • Research and Advocacy
    • Overview
    • Health & Wholeness Assessment
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Overview
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
    • Donate Now
06
Jun
Trail Notes Summer 2022: A Good Argument

By: Karen Webster

anniversary health seminarians

A Good Argument

Travis and I will never forget the June night back in 2012 when we went for a walk in Winnona Park (the neighborhood around Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA).  We were there because I was participating in two of my first Doctor of Ministry classes and Travis decided to take some study leave and join me on campus, since he was completely immersed in full-time ministry and felt that this would be an excellent opportunity to rest and reflect. 

What started out as a normal conversation while walking quickly became heated, just like the night air (good ol’ summertime in the South!).  

“So, Karen, I think I finally do want to apply for the Th.D. in Pastoral Counseling program here.”  

This was something that Travis had been talking about since the day we graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary (Princeton, NJ) with our M.Div. degrees in 2004 (Karen’s recollection), so this wasn’t a shock.  The difference was that, this time I, Karen, realized he really meant it.

“Ok, so if we move here to Decatur, what am I supposed to do?  I want somehow to use the gifts that God has given me – a degree in exercise physiology, ordination as a Presbyterian pastor, certification as a Master Gardener in South Carolina, a love for both cooking and working with people of all ages, and a passion about wanting to improve the health and wellbeing of clergy because, from everything I have read and observed, they are struggling with their health, which not only impacts them personally, but also those whom they serve.  Tell me, what kind of job would allow me to do all of that?”  I was completely exasperated; if I were a cartoon character, I would have had steam rising off my head!

The conversation abruptly ended there that night, and we went to bed without any resolution.

 

When we woke up the next morning, Travis said, “Karen, I think I’ve figured out what we can do.  It will be a lot of work, but I know we can do it…”  

Travis shared his vision and, without even the slightest bit of hesitation, I knew that this was exactly what we were supposed to do.  Never mind that we had zero experience starting a non-profit, zero experience in managing a “business,” zero organizations to look to as templates for the kind of ministry we were seeking to establish (to this day, as far as we know, we are the only organization that is seeking to improve the wellbeing of seminarians so that they can be healthier clergy, which will help to bring about greater health in our communities of faith and beyond!).  On top of all this, when we shared our ideas with several people we trusted, they said that we were going to face HUGE challenges, so we definitely were going to have our work cut out for us.  And, if that weren’t enough of a challenge, we felt called to do this at the same time Travis was beginning to apply for the doctoral program!  

 

Fast forward 10 years… the work that we have undertaken has been anything but easy.  There are days when we feel like we are taking two steps forward and then two steps backward, sometimes almost instantaneously.  However, seeing the difference that we have made in the lives of seminarians, clergy, and church members makes it all worth it!  Plus, it is because of the support and encouragement we have received from people like you that we have been able to learn, grow, and expand our ministry day by day, relationship by relationship.

Speaking of encouragement, when I (Karen) was sorting through some of my old emails as I was preparing the timeline for this newsletter, I came across some of the initial email correspondence we had with Steve Hayner, who was president of Columbia Theological Seminary the year HSHC was born.  Here is an excerpt from what he wrote: 

“It was both encouraging and exciting to read your report [which we submitted to him on 10/24/12] and to engage again with your vision.  Helping to set seminarians on a physically healthy trajectory is as important as working with them intellectually, spiritually, and relationally… Again, Karen, let me commend you on your amazing vision and initiative.  You’ve spotted a very real need and moved to meet it.  We talk a lot around here about vision, values, and vocation—and about imagination and resilience. You are illustrating all of these traits.” 

From the very first day we shared our vision with President Hayner, he was extremely supportive of our work and was also a real source of inspiration.  When he was very sadly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, news that devastated those both inside and beyond the seminary community, one of the things he made sure he accomplished before stepping down due to illness was to provide our organization with an on-campus mailbox and office space.  We will never forget his generosity in providing us not only a physical space to meet with those in the Columbia Theological Seminary community, but also giving us what we needed to establish ourselves as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Again, looking back at that June night, who knew ten years later both that this is where God would lead us and also that God would put so many supportive people on our path to guide and encourage us along the way?  We eagerly wait to see what God has in store for us in the days, months, and years to come.  Now, as much as ever, healthy seminarians + healthy churches = a healthier world!

 

May All Be Well,

Karen and Travis Webster

HSHC Co-founders

Click below to view our interactive timeline. Each underlined section links to a publication or story from our last decade!

Health of Seminarians Research Findings Spring 2022

By: Karen Webster

health research seminarians seminary

Health of Seminarians Research Findings Spring 2022

One of our commitments as an organization is to conduct research specifically focused on the current state of seminarian health and wholeness.  In the summer and fall of 2020, Travis Webster (HSHC co-founder) conducted his dissertation research study* among seminarians who attend Christian seminaries and divinity schools in the United States.  The purpose of his study was to explore whether the factors that contribute to pastoral unhealth are already present in pastoral formation. 

 
One aspect of seminarian health that we want to highlight from Travis’ dissertation research is their relational health: 
  • Survey participants scored high on interpersonal relationships.
  • They felt fairly connected to others.
  • 2 of the 5 most important health practices that they want to be attentive to in their vocational service are relationship oriented.  
This is good news for several reasons:
  • Research is continuing to show how relational health significantly impacts one’s overall health*, which is why we, as an organization, have increasingly focused on providing tools and resources for seminarians and others to use to tend to this area of wellbeing.
  • Relational health is something that clergy struggle with, so we are pleased that these seminarians are being attentive to this aspect of being well!  
To get a quick snapshot of these findings, as well as an overview of some of the participants’ demographic information, check out this infographic.

Note: very little research has been done on the health of seminarians.  Therefore, we believe that the information Travis has gathered will positively contribute to addressing the overall health and wellbeing of seminarians, clergy, and congregations.  

Health of Seminarians Research Findings

By: Karen Webster

health research seminarians

September 2021

One of our commitments as an organization is to conduct research specifically focused on the current state of seminarian health and wholeness.  In the summer and fall of 2020, Travis Webster (HSHC co-founder) conducted his dissertation research study* among seminarians who attend Christian seminaries and divinity schools in the United States.  The purpose of his study was to explore whether the factors that contribute to pastoral unhealth are already present in pastoral formation.  While Travis is closing in on finishing his dissertation, we did not want to wait any longer to share some of what he discovered!  Here is a “sneak peek” at some of his results.  

Note: very little research has been done on the health of seminarians.  Therefore, we believe that the information Travis has gathered will positively contribute to addressing the overall health and wellbeing of seminarians, clergy, and congregations.  

When Seminarians Were Asked…

What best reflects your practical and theological understandings of pastoral health?
  • 92.31% believe that “a pastor’s concern about their own health is part of their vocation.”
  • 90.77% believe that “God is concerned about pastoral health.”
  • 90.77% believe that “For a pastor to maintain their health is part of, and enhances, their service to the church.”
In what ways have you observed pastors experiencing unhealth?
  • 88.52% “Overweight/Obese.”
  • 81.97% “Stressed.”
  • 77.05% “Fatigued.”
How do you feel you have observed pastors impair their health?

  • 85.25% “Taking on excessive responsibility.”
  • 83.61% “Eating poorly.”
  • 77.05% “Ignoring their mental health.”
How do you feel you have observed pastors tend effectively to their health?
  • 85.48% “Taking vacation at least yearly.” 
  • 77.42% “Exercising”
  • 75.81% “Delegating responsibilities.”

Study Snapshot:

  • Conducted in the summer and fall 2020.
  • Participants came from at least 10 different seminary communities and represented at least 6 different denominational affiliations.
  • 65 surveys were fully completed.
  • 13 interviews were conducted.
  • 61.54% of the participants are seeking ordination (23.08% not, 15.38% undecided).

*Travis anticipates graduating from Columbia Theological Seminary in May 2022 with a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling.

Small Group Reflection

By: SuzanneYoder

faith seminarians wellness

January 2021 – Reflection provided by Debby Haralson, Chief Operating Officer of The WellHouse, D.Min. student at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University (Atlanta, GA)

“I was intrigued to learn about Healthy Seminarians-Healthy Church’s online small- group program last fall. Working in a trauma-based ministry where every need feels absolutely immediate, I have seen many gifted caregivers exit the field early and exhausted.

Leaders tend to agree that caring for self is critical. But how? How, when a newly minted minister enters an arena that publicly praises sacrifice and servanthood while well-being, strength, and stamina are simply expected?

Healthy Seminarians-Healthy Church’s program effectively equips a minister for this conversation. Providing a much-needed Biblical/theological framework around caring for self, HSHC challenges participants to explore a holistic kind of spirituality that honors God through work and rest; activism along with contemplation. Here’s hoping that tomorrow’s ministry leaders can embody such balance. Those we serve will benefit from this kind of faith-filled service. We can’t do everything, but God can. Karen Webster and her team have much wisdom to share along these lines. We would be wise to take heed.”

Sidebar
Recent Posts
  • Trail Notes Winter 2023: Winter Rest
  • Recipes (Healthy for You and Your Budget)
  • Tofu “Feta” Cheese
  • Mint Ginger (Kashayam) Tea
  • Lentil and Barley Salad
Recent Comments
    Archives
    • January 2023
    • October 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • September 2021
    • June 2021
    • April 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • November 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • June 2020
    • April 2020
    • January 2020
    Categories
    • Intern Field Notes
    • News
    • Recipes
    • Research
    • Small Group
    • Trail Notes
    • Uncategorized
    Meta
    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org
    Categories
    • Intern Field Notes
    • News
    • Recipes
    • Research
    • Small Group
    • Trail Notes
    • Uncategorized
    Tags
    anniversary bible body bread burnout change cheese church compost contagious COVID dessert dinner education evolution faith fall fasting garden health healthy holiday lent ministry plant recipe reformed church research rest salad seminarians seminary sleep slow soup spring stress summer sustainable tea tofu tools vegan vegetable wellness
    Donate Now
    Sign Up for Our Newsletter
    Silver Seal of Transparency

    Click for Financial Information

    Explore HSHC

    About Us
    Seminarians
    HSHC@CTS
    Congregations
    Research & Advocacy
    Contact Us
    Donate
    Privacy

    Copyright ©2020 Health Seminarians-Healthy Church. All rights reserved.