Gary W. Yarbrough
- submitted July 2009
Chaplain, Director of Pastoral Care
Gary W. Yarbrough
I am in the process of leading a Training Program for bivocational pastors focusing on “Faith and Holistic Self-Care.” We meet the last Saturday of each month with our last session, September 26th , 9a.m.-12p.m.. I would like to extend the invitation to our part-time local pastors in the North Alabama Conference who may want to participate in the remaining sessions. A free health screen is included in the program. No fee/No tuition. For more information, contact: Gary Yarbrough, Director of Pastoral Care, Shelby Baptist Medical Center (205-620-8947 or Gary.Yarbrough@bhsala.com). I led a similar program for our Sunday School class at Irondale UMC earlier this year. In regard to conference priorities, I think that this program can enhance the holistic well-being of our part-time local pastors who may not have the financial means (personal/congregational or both) and whose schedules may not permit them to attend weekday seminars/conferences. The program is designed so the pastor may revise it for use in his/her own congregation. I am considering ways as to how this can be implemented as a ‘needs-based’ evangelistic ministry beyond the church walls into the community.
An excerpt from one of the sessions: Healthy self-care isn’t selfish. Holistic self care is the practice of accepting and nurturing ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is rooted in the Biblical understanding that we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It includes the love of neighbor and the ‘self:’ the complete, entire, whole person that includes wrinkles, weight, warts, and ‘all’ (Mt 22:35-40). Though holistic self care is accepting and nurturing of the self, it is meant to be a ‘transformative’ process (Romans 12:1,2).
Gary W. Yarbrough, MDiv., BCC
Chaplain, Director of Pastoral Care
Shelby Baptist Medical Center