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SOUL-CARE FOR THE
PASTOR
May 2008
A seminary professor I once studied under would
regularly ask his students: "What have you done lately
to take care of your soul?" His question became almost
cliché after a while, but I have to admit that it helped
me pay attention to the ways in which I was taking
responsibility for cultivating my inner life. It was
wise encouragement to strive for balance during seminary
training – a time when life could be very
unbalanced.
I know that you, as a pastor, often live a life that
has great demands, competing needs and many
responsibilities. It is challenging! It might help if
someone reminds you occasionally that you need to take
time for rest, for solitude, for fun and for fellowship
with God and others who refresh you.
This issue of Signpost provides some
encouragement and resources to help you do just that.
So, I ask you, Pastor, what have you done lately to take
care of your soul?
Blessings,
Wendy Kittlitz
Program
Manager
Clergy Care Network
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Pause Button |
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What You
Need |
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For what is does it profit a man to gain the
whole world, and forfeit his soul?
The Holy
Bible |
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Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep
a tidy soul.
Mark
Twain |
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We are truly indefatigable in providing for the
needs of the body, but we starve the soul.
Ellen
Wood |
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To be rooted is perhaps the most important and
least recognized need of the human soul.
Simone
Weil |
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On Deck |
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Create Your Own
Event |
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Beyond Duct Tape |
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Feature Retreat: Fairhaven
Ministries |
Fairhaven Ministries
by Len &
Fay Frank
Fairhaven is a gift from God. As we celebrate 10
years in Canada of providing a place and ministry where
Christian leaders can be encouraged, supported and
restored, we recognize that we have this retreat centre
because of His incredible generosity to us.
Fairhaven is located at the northern end of the
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, which is known for
its lakes, orchards and tourism. Our village of 167
acres is located on Silver Star Mountain just 15 minutes
from Vernon and 15 minutes from Silver Star Ski Resort.
Our cottages are comfortable, self-contained units and
can sleep a family of six. Plans are to begin the
development of the lodge this year with lounge areas,
meeting rooms, a book room, library, fitness centre and
tearoom.
. . . read more
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Must-Haves |
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Soul Care
Resources |
Overcoming
Overload*
by Steve & Mary
Farrar
The three biggest lies of western culture – having it
all, doing it all, deserving it all – have taken root in
the lives of most Christians, leaving us exhausted in
body, soul and spirit. Learn God's simple remedy for
overload – a remedy based on His sovereignty and truth.
Restoring the Soul*
(Focus on the Family broadcast CD)
Listen in to a Focus on the Family broadcast as Dr.
Ravi Zacharias talks with Dr. James Dobson about the
importance of restoring one's soul.
Tears of Joy for
Mothers*
by Joe Wheeler
Marriage and parenting in the 21st century is
incredibly hectic and demanding. This lovely book helps
moms to "get away" for short periods of time and be
refreshed by characters and stories that affirm the
value of motherhood.
*Click on book titles to purchase online or
call Focus on the Family Canada toll-free at
1.800.661.9800 to order.
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Fast Facts |
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Keeping Your Head Above
Water |
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Thank you to those who responded so thoughtfully to
last month's invitation to share about an experience of
transference. We've sent gifts out to four
respondents.
This month, we'd love to hear how you plan to build
soul-care into your summer plans. Each of the first 12
people to email us will receive a copy of the
broadcast CD Restoring the Soul with Ravi
Zacharias.
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A Word from the Coach |
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Get Some
Rest |
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Then, because so many people were coming and
going that they did not even have a chance to eat,
he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a
quiet place and get some
rest." |
Mark 6:31, New International
Version
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Sneak Peek |
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June: Orphan
Ministry |
Next month we'll examine how your church can take
seriously the Biblical mandate to care for widows and
orphans.
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