Bishop Baxter Writes...

August 1, 2011

Dear Sisters & Brothers;

One of the books I am reading is entitled The Spiritual Leader's Guide to Self-Care. The title speaks to me even more than the content: "The Spiritual Leader's…" I think that often we (clergy and laity) sometimes forget that our clergy are foremost spiritual leaders. While there are prescribed tasks—administrative, strategic, and programmatic which obligate clergy, the most important work she or he must engage is "spiritual". Our pastoral work: our liturgical leadership, our preaching and teaching, our intercessions on behalf of the faithful and the world, is empty if there is not a depth of relationship with God, and sufficient physical /emotional health to be a real and evident "spiritual presence".

I am preparing for vacation beginning August 15th through Labor Day. One could say, I'm staggering to the finish line (smiles). Yet, I am aware that neither I nor our clergy can truly be spiritual leaders without being emotionally and spiritually healthy. This health allows us to serve and inspire the spiritual lives of others through our preaching, worship and pastoral duties, as well as in meetings and administrative duties. While all careers have the potential to be discerned as a "godly calling", spiritual leaders are among us in a unique way. Please help me to care for our spiritual leaders…make certain they are getting their DAY-OFF (day off is not a day to prepare sermons or catch up on administrative paperwork); and that they are taking PLANNED vacation time (which requires that vestry and other leaders carry on in their absences).

I hope that in one of the fall vestry meetings of your parish there will be some conversation with your clergy persons about self-care; including their Day-Off and 2011/12 vacation plans (continuing education and sabbaticals should also be discussed). And I hope that at fall clericus meetings, clergy will remind and support each other in their plans for self-care. Talking about and planning for such things will help all the Ministers of the Church - both lay and ordained - to be more supportive and faithful in the care of those who care for us----Our Spiritual Leaders.

Peace & Grace,
+Nathan