Preachers and weight

[daffodil]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

 

[tourist]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

Kind of hypercritical, telling others how to live healthy while they neglect their own health. Glad to have you onboard with us. Welcome to CC.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

I think this is because may people do not realize that being overweight is a health hazard, or maybe they are fine with being overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight is a lot of work and requires self-discipline especially as one becomes older, as it requires exercise (which can be boring) and cutting out certain foods (such as sugar, carbs, and fried foods).

 

[Ruby123]

Being overweight does not always mean bad health. I know a couple that went to the same church I used to attend. He was Greek and a big guy (really big actually). She was a slim Filipino woman. Most women were probably envious of her figure. They both had various blood tests done. His results came back and everything was in it's proper range. Her results showed she had escalated cholesterol and she was put on medication. She decided not to take it and eventually needed to get triple bypass surgery.

 

[SophieT]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

Fat preaches are a 'no no' for me...pet peeve

There are some really rotund barrels out there

 

[Scribe]

I am curious (and fat) what do you think is the point at which a preacher's weight distract from his message?

In today's society there is an obsession with looks. Yeah, I know hardly anyone will admit to wanting to look "sexy" as their motivation for exercise and diet and they will tell you it is that they want to be healthy and live longer, and I am sure there are many who's main motivation is health, but I also know that there are many who are secretly motivated by wanting to attract the opposite sex. Therefore I have noticed that the "standard of what is healthy weight" has been raised (or in this context, lowered).

Has our culture arrived at a point where a preacher should be a role model and have very little body fat percentage, rippling abs, defined biceps that say "look at me, I work out" before we think he is not slothful and undisciplined?

Now I personally do feel sorry for the fat preacher and wish he would get control for the sake of his being a role model but I have an even harder time receiving from the preacher who has achieved a physique that cannot be maintained without hours in the gym each day. The kind of physique people see in movies are not maintained by the actors after shooting the movies. They can't keep it up. And no one wants to. There is more to life. However this unrealistic image we see constantly in media including social media, rubs off on us and makes us feel bad about ourselves and this is a carnal and vain fleshly lust that should be resisted as much as over eating.

Obesity has always distracted from the message, but in the past people could usually get over it once they bore witness to the Spirit in the preaching. A movie star physique might appeal to those lusting on the preacher but unless the preacher is anointed with the Holy Spirit, his Hollywood looks, and cutting edge sneakers is a distraction as well.

The preacher in the suit who is not obese and does not show off his physique seems like a good idea. Maybe suits will come back again.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

 

[Lanolin]

I think its because they dont go anywhere those overweight preachers expect everyone to come to them.
Or they only give it a tiny morsel of communion bread and thimble size grape juice to their congregation and keep the biggest pieces and cups for themselves afterward?

 

[seoulsearch]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

I read an article once about how much of a challenge it can be for people in ministry to stay fit. A good number of ministry activities revolve around food, especially if you're part of churches that hold potlucks and dinners nearly every week, or are invited to people's houses where it will be seen as an insult if you don't have at least second helpings of their cooking. Church activities seem to almost always involve food, and it can honestly be very hard to steer clear of all that temptation.

The small groups and Bible studies I've been a part of almost always have (unhealthy) refreshments, so if you're going to meetings several times a week, even just one cookie here and there is going to eventually add up. Many people now days are also battling hormonal, metabolic, and insulin-related conditions that make it easy to pack on the weight but three times as hard to take it off.

I remember observing this in the health industry, too, when a loved one was in long-term medical care and many of the health care workers were also at extreme weights. However, I don't mean as criticism in any way because I know they're working double shifts and are under a tremendous amount of stress, and a great many of us cave to overeating as a coping mechanism.

The only time I would stop listening to an authority on a subject is when they become overly adamant about "what everyone else should be doing" without acknowledging their own struggles and downfalls. As long as they maintain an awareness that, "We are all sinners who are in this together, and we ALL have our own battles," I can respect what the person is trying to teach.

But if the person's attitude somehow becomes, "YOU people are the one who is sinning and need to change -- I'm doing everything right and am untouchable because I'm a messenger of the Lord," then I would look for a spiritual leader who acknowledges that they need to follow their own lessons just as much as anybody else.

 

[Scribe]

I am curious (and fat) what do you think is the point at which a preacher's weight distract from his message?

In today's society there is an obsession with looks. Yeah, I know hardly anyone will admit to wanting to look "sexy" as their motivation for exercise and diet and they will tell you it is that they want to be healthy and live longer, and I am sure there are many who's main motivation is health, but I also know that there are many who are secretly motivated by wanting to attract the opposite sex. Therefore I have noticed that the "standard of what is healthy weight" has been raised (or in this context, lowered).

Has our culture arrived at a point where a preacher should be a role model and have very little body fat percentage, rippling abs, defined biceps that say "look at me, I work out" before we think he is not slothful and undisciplined?

Now I personally do feel sorry for the fat preacher and wish he would get control for the sake of his being a role model but I have an even harder time receiving from the preacher who has achieved a physique that cannot be maintained without hours in the gym each day. The kind of physique people see in movies are not maintained by the actors after shooting the movies. They can't keep it up. And no one wants to. There is more to life. However this unrealistic image we see constantly in media including social media, rubs off on us and makes us feel bad about ourselves and this is a carnal and vain fleshly lust that should be resisted as much as over eating.

Obesity has always distracted from the message, but in the past people could usually get over it once they bore witness to the Spirit in the preaching. A movie star physique might appeal to those lusting on the preacher but unless the preacher is anointed with the Holy Spirit, his Hollywood looks, and cutting edge sneakers is a distraction as well.

The preacher in the suit who is not obese and does not show off his physique seems like a good idea. Maybe suits will come back again.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

Seriously, I was looking for an answer.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

 

[seoulsearch]

Seriously, I was looking for an answer.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

For me, it would be more about the person's attitude rather than a specific number of pounds.

People also carry weight very differently, so 20 pounds might look obese on one person, but on someone else, it might look like teddy bear fluff.

I can think of several ministry leaders I had who may have been heavier, but I can sincerely say it was their hearts that really shined through the most.

And a person who struggles with looking emaciated might be just as distracting as being overweight.

 

[Lanolin]

well I think if an overweight preacher was going on about feeding hungry people he really has to look at how many ppl he (or maybe she) is inviting to their table. You can have too muh of a good thing and having second helpings while other people are basically starving, I think this was addressed in letter to corininthians regarding the Lords supper.

i.e dont be greedy. 1 corinthians 11

Jesus fed the hungry masses FIRST before he even started preaching. He turned water into wine at the wedding. When Jews celebrated passover, it wasnt for themselves it was a shared meal, and guests to the household were included.
I think that preachers have to have to exhibit some self control and not take more than their share and yes even FAST from time to time because if you are praying and not bothering to fast then I dont know how you are praying then as you cant pray with your mouth full.

 

[gb9]

.... and the multitude came together, so that they ( Jesus and the Disciples ) could not even eat bread...

 

[inukubo]

I think attitude magnifies fat. There is a stereotype about overweight preachers being loud and obnoxious. With a loud and obnoxious pastor, you are going to notice and be distracted by the weight issue more. However, if the pastor is humble and gentle, it becomes a lot easier to overlook the weight and focus on his character.

 

[Iamabeliever]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

why bother following preachers at all. We have scripture, we have bible, we have Jesus so if we can read we are sitting in the arms of God. Preachers are not there to teach they are there to brainwash. It is only when i left church that i was able to open my heart to the love of God, now i am
able to live what Jesus commanded us, that is: love the Lord your God and your
neighbor as yourself. In this iam able to live intimately with God, all the rest is
churches keeping power over people. Liberate youself, surrender to Jesus
only.

 

[surfer14]

Seriously, I was looking for an answer.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

A fair question. Here's what I'll say...

If you're fat and you're saying something I agree with, I might overlook it. Unless you're way heavy.

But if you're saying something I disagree with, and you're trying to convince me of something - like a vaccine maybe - then if you're fat, you're really going to be starting at a handicap. Because I'm going to be thinking something along the lines of "This fat, $#^@#$^ is trying to tell me X when obviously he has zero self control." If you can't control your diet, then I'll assume you also can't control your porn habit, your drug habit, etc. Gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins for a reason. So you're going to have a real tough time getting through. You might be successful, but you're really starting off on the wrong foot.

But a number? That's hard to say. If your gut pours over the top of your pants, then that is a crisis situation. An absolute "all hands on deck", "4 alarm" emergency that needs to be attended to right now if you want me to take you seriously.

BTW, I hate seeing churches give donuts to people. Sugar is just poison. There is an obesity crisis in this country and churches totally lead people into sin by doing this. It's no different than if they handed out beer or cigarettes to people. Actually is probably worse.

 

[Scribe]

A fair question. Here's what I'll say...

If you're fat and you're saying something I agree with, I might overlook it. Unless you're way heavy.

But if you're saying something I disagree with, and you're trying to convince me of something - like a vaccine maybe - then if you're fat, you're really going to be starting at a handicap. Because I'm going to be thinking something along the lines of "This fat, $#^@#$^ is trying to tell me X when obviously he has zero self control." If you can't control your diet, then I'll assume you also can't control your porn habit, your drug habit, etc. Gluttony is one of the 7 deadly sins for a reason. So you're going to have a real tough time getting through. You might be successful, but you're really starting off on the wrong foot.

But a number? That's hard to say. If your gut pours over the top of your pants, then that is a crisis situation. An absolute "all hands on deck", "4 alarm" emergency that needs to be attended to right now if you want me to take you seriously.

BTW, I hate seeing churches give donuts to people. Sugar is just poison. There is an obesity crisis in this country and churches totally lead people into sin by doing this. It's no different than if they handed out beer or cigarettes to people. Actually is probably worse.

Of course if the preacher is obese it would be a very good reason to get vaccinated from COVID-19 as such are in a high risk group with that virus.

Many of the greatest preachers in Church history were considered a bit "rotund" and I think it didn't bother most people. Unless they were preaching something that they did not agree with. LOL Then again if they were skinny and preaching something they did not agree with they would fault them for their suit, or their car, or something else.

 

[MoonCresta]

Ok - I feel God's spirit saying "take it easy, Moon Cresta'. So I'll try.

we just went through my father's last days - he was overweight. and he was miserable because of it. It really limited his mobility - had to spend his last days in one room, he was impossible to flip and it became a real burden to care for because of his weight. Fat people that indulge in all the food they want in their young life should take a hard look at themselves in the future and ask themselves how much agony they are willing to put up with when they die. After going through that with my father, I immediately placed myself on a strict diet and exercise regimen. Central question. How much of a burden are you willing to place on your loved ones when you can no longer fend for youself.

 

[MoonCresta]

There are many preachers, some of whom i like and respect and listen to, who preach on receiving healing or anything you need from God, because of verses such as

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. .

But they are overweight, and don't seem to ever address the issue though they must surely be aware that this is a basic need they have which they need God's help with as being overweight is bad for your health.

Gluttony is a sin and they need to repent and take better care of their temple.

 

[daffodil]

Seriously, I was looking for an answer.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

Hi Scribe.
Sorry for my delay.

Really it distracts me from the point where he/she says that this or that is the way to receive from God all the good things which he has already given you.
It makes me think that 'hey - he/she is not managing to receive from God all the good things which he has already given him/her and is not admiting it!'
Maybe it doesn't 'work'!

So, the guy is saying take your problems to God-you dont have to live with them.
But the guy has got a problem and he is not taking it to God, he is living with it.
Or he may be trying to take it to God and finding that this can be difficult or slow!

I reckon its generally accepted, & no secret that people want to loose weight for health & for looks reasons!

I am mainly looking at the issue from the health angle.
I don't think that pastors/preachers have to be perfect role models or that they should be more disciplined or 'try harder' to loose weight
or to have rippling abs etc.!!

I don't think that being overweight is always something you can 'get control' of.
Newish? research for example has shown that the body has an inbuilt mechanism for keeping you at the weight you are, and so for some overweight people, if they for example cut their calories their body will compensate by for example slowing its metabolism to stop any weight loss!
And over eating can be 'emotional eating' for example, so it's unfair to judge people for being fat!

 

[Hungry]

I am curious (and fat) what do you think is the point at which a preacher's weight distract from his message?

In today's society there is an obsession with looks. Yeah, I know hardly anyone will admit to wanting to look "sexy" as their motivation for exercise and diet and they will tell you it is that they want to be healthy and live longer, and I am sure there are many who's main motivation is health, but I also know that there are many who are secretly motivated by wanting to attract the opposite sex. Therefore I have noticed that the "standard of what is healthy weight" has been raised (or in this context, lowered).

Has our culture arrived at a point where a preacher should be a role model and have very little body fat percentage, rippling abs, defined biceps that say "look at me, I work out" before we think he is not slothful and undisciplined?

Now I personally do feel sorry for the fat preacher and wish he would get control for the sake of his being a role model but I have an even harder time receiving from the preacher who has achieved a physique that cannot be maintained without hours in the gym each day. The kind of physique people see in movies are not maintained by the actors after shooting the movies. They can't keep it up. And no one wants to. There is more to life. However this unrealistic image we see constantly in media including social media, rubs off on us and makes us feel bad about ourselves and this is a carnal and vain fleshly lust that should be resisted as much as over eating.

Obesity has always distracted from the message, but in the past people could usually get over it once they bore witness to the Spirit in the preaching. A movie star physique might appeal to those lusting on the preacher but unless the preacher is anointed with the Holy Spirit, his Hollywood looks, and cutting edge sneakers is a distraction as well.

The preacher in the suit who is not obese and does not show off his physique seems like a good idea. Maybe suits will come back again.

So at what point does the weight distract from the message? 20 lbs overweight? 30? 40? ...

It doesn’t matter whether it’s at the bar, in the board room or the pulpit, people see physical strength as a right to lead psychologically. God told me how to maintain 12 pack abs without starvation and working out for 5-10 mins a day. It’s not difficult.