Are you healthy? - A 10 point plan for staying healthy as a youth leader

When was the last time you had a health check up? A few years ago, before major surgery, I had a series of medical check-ups at my local hospital. I can't say I enjoyed the experience, but they were really important in confirming a problem, helping the surgeons to act and eventually returning me to full health.

I've been thinking recently about what a health check-up for youth leaders might include. What follows are my thoughts and reflections about staying healthy as a youth leader. So here's my 10 point plan to stay healthy in youth ministry.

1. STAY SPIRITUALLY FIT.

Effective youth ministry flows out of our relationship with the living God. Keep Jesus at the centre of your life and ministry. Commit time every day to cultivate that relationship. Someone once said, ‘If you're too busy to pray, you're too busy!’ How can we be a spiritual guide for young people unless we're travelling ahead on the journey of faith ourselves? Ministry flows from who we are rather than what we do, and being is much more important than doing in youth ministry.

2. STAY PHYSICALLY FIT.

I don't go to a gym or jog so I guess I'm laying myself open to some comment here, but you're stuck with your body, so look after it. We all know investing in exercise and healthy eating can produce real results in extra energy, increased mobility and even a longer life.

A good night's sleep is also important, but how often do we consider our regular routine? This is a really important issue to consider when we think about longevity in ministry. OK, this is starting to sound like a health blog - but don't burnout in your 20's because you didn't stay spiritually and physically fit. You'll be a much more effective youth worker when you're 40!