The Anglican Bishop of Warri, The Rt Rev. Christian E. Ide has counselled the clergy and wives of the diocese to endeavour to reduce stress in their lives.
The Bishop who was addressing the Warri Diocesan 2021 Clergy and Wives School held from December 6 to 9, 2021 at the Ibru Centre Agbarha-otor with the theme: “A Holistic Approach of the Clergy and Stress Management” taken from Exodus 18:13-18 and Mark 6:30-32, noted that being upright and diligent in the work of ministry naturally incur stress, exhaustion and even death as contained in Isaiah 57:1. He therefore urged the clergy and wives to heed the call of Jesus in Mark 6:31 to rest awhile to avoid rushing to eternal rest.
The Prelate enjoined the clergy and their wives to be there for one another and help one another to rest. He said they should ensure maximum utilisation of all the provisions made by the church for reduction of stress, which include leaves, retreats, off-days and using assistants by applying the advice of Moses’ father-in-law in Exodus 18:21 by selecting able, God-fearing, truthful, non-covetous and accountable men to assist them in the work of the ministry.
The guest Speaker at the event, Evang. Charles Tobechukwu Ezechukwu posited that stress touches on emotion, attacks from inside and can paralyse a man. He educated the participants on stress and stress management, effects of stress, stress and stressors, sources and potential sources of stress and unhealthy ways of managing stress.
Also speaking, a clergyman of the diocese, The Ven. S.O. Ewhofarama opined that stress can be both positive and negative. The positive stress, he said, can help to meet task, but the negative can ultimately lead to death, and so should be dealt with.
Apart from lectures and talks, the Warri Clergy and Wives School, which started and ended with Holy Communion services celebrated by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Rev. Christian Ide, also featured physical exercises, recreational activities and, ultimately, a grand Gala Night/Love Feast.
About 220 clergy and wives participated in the programme.
By Princewill Ireoba