The following post is from my good friend  and John Wesley authority, Dr Bob Whitesel. Bob serves as Professor of Christian Ministry and Missional Leadership for Wesley Seminary and holds two doctorates from Fuller Theological Seminary. He currently serves as president of the Great Commission Research Network as well as a board member for The Society of Church Consulting.

John Wesley was appalled at how doctors to the poor usually were medical quacks taking advantage of the poor. Subsequently, Wesley’s great intellect and scientific mind drew him to the study of medicinal remedies to help the average person. Below are some of Wesley’s suggestions for a healthy life. Particularly interesting is that he recommended, “Those who read or write much, should learn to do it standing; otherwise, it will impair their health.” This is something that has been proven to be critical for today’s office workers.

From John Wesley’s Primitive Physick:

1. A due degree of exercise is indispensably necessary to health and long life.

2. Walking is the best exercise for those who are able to bear it; riding for those who are not. The open air, when the weather is fair, contributes much to the benefit of exercise.

3. We may strengthen any weak part of the body by constant exercise. Thus, the lungs may be strengthened by loud speaking, or walking up an easy ascent; the digestion and the nerves by riding; the arms and hams by strong rubbing them daily.

4. The studious ought to have stated times for exercise, at least two or three hours a day; the one-half of this before dinner, the other before going to bed.

5. They should frequently shave, and frequently wash their feet.

6. Those who read or write much, should learn to do it standing; otherwise, it will impair their health.

7. The fewer clothes anyone uses by day or night, the hardier he will be.

Click here to read the full list of Wesley’s Top 10 Tips.

Your partner in ministry and health,

Nelson

P.S. Start discovering the secrets to wellness that every pastor should know. Get a copy of my new book The Healthy Renegade Pastor for just $1.00 ($19.95 value) with free shipping! As church leaders, too many of us sacrifice our health and well-being on the altar of ministry, but your present doesn’t have to equal your future. Click here to request your copy today plus get two free months in my private Renegade Pastors Network – a group focused on abandoning average in all areas of your life and ministry! 

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About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.