This meeting was unlike most that editors of state Baptist papers attend. The program was not about major denominational issues. It was not about how to produce a more readable newspaper. It was not even about the latest trends in Baptist life. There were no speeches to report, no interviews to do.
This year’s annual meeting of the Association of State Baptist Papers was an unapologetic effort to “care” for the editor. Staff members of the LeaderCare department of LifeWay Christian Resources guided the four-day effort.
When the meeting adjourned Friday afternoon, Feb. 15, program leaders had provided helpful insights and suggestions in many areas of life. In this writer’s mind, they also had demonstrated that the LeaderCare department is a valuable asset in Baptist life.
One’s spiritual life was the starting point. After a Bible study reminding that God cares for each person, editors were offered 12 practical steps for spiritual renewal. Some were simple, such as “spend time with those who pick you up.” Some reminded editors of basic Christian disciplines — “read the Bible devotionally, not just to prepare sermons or write editorials.” Some were challenging — “make a concerted effort to be grateful and appreciative.”
Evaluation instruments helped participants examine one’s devotional life, the practice of Christian disciplines, personal purity, the passions of one’s hearts and personal relationships. Each emphasis provided opportunity to look at oneself honestly. Results were not for public disclosures, just for personal use.
An old saying contends that “health is the crown on a well person’s head but only a sick person can see it.” The wellness consultant helped editors understand the impact of diet on everything from proper bodily functions to the aging process.
It is frightening that 70 percent of the ministers checked at the last Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting had problems with high cholesterol. A higher percentage were overweight.
Editors looked at problems created by stress — more than 60 percent of all physicians’ office visits are directly or indirectly related to stress. Stress causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase. The need for oxygen goes up and breathing becomes more rapid. Blood sugar climbs. On the emotional side, stress causes perception to narrow. Memory becomes imprecise. Learning is impeded. Stress is serious.
Editors looked at their schedules, their deadlines, their responsibilities outside the office and an array of other factors that contribute to stress. Relaxation techniques to decrease heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rates were demonstrated. Some responses can be done quickly. Others demand more time and concentration.
Specialists in conflict management and mediation helped editors learn how to better relate to “difficult persons.” Editors were disabused of ideas such as relationships without some tension or stress are possible, that every problem can be solved and that everyone can be rescued from their problems.
In addition to principles for relating to difficult persons, leaders challenged editors to look at themselves as they prepared for such interaction. Questions such as “Why am I so angry with this person?” and “Do I in some strange way feel responsible for my difficult person’s behavior?” provide windows for self-examination.
Compassion fatigue was another topic considered. This results from giving to others beyond one’s own resources emotionally, mentally and physically. Few participants knew signs of this problem such as lowered trust levels, increased fear, cynicism and isolation. Few understood that compassion fatigue can cause one to be aggressive, callous, pessimistic and defensive. It can cause one to be absent from work or tardy, even quit work all together.
The Wounded Ministers Ministry is available for those who experience problems in ministry, either professional problems or personal problems. The editors received an overview of that ministry including individualized counseling for the minister and family as well as specialized retreats to help the healing process.
Most of the LeaderCare staff leading the session for the editors possess doctoral degrees in the specialties. All had advanced training and certifications to validate their expertise. Individually and collectively these men and women are a great resource to Baptists.
Personally, the “Caring for the Editors” program was educational and helpful. The LeaderCare staff is available to do similar programs for churches and associations. The department even staffs a hotline for emergency problems related to LeaderCare (1-888-789-1911). The staff also works closely with Alabama Baptists’ own church-minister relations department headed by Dale Huff.
Because of my personal experience with these resources, I commend them to Alabama Baptists. Problems related to LeaderCare are many. They range from church conflict to ministerial burnout to moral failures. The LeaderCare department is a valuable asset in addressing these needs.
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