Matt Ledbetter feels like a new person. Since undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in May, he is no longer on blood pressure medication. He doesn’t use a CPAP breathing mask for sleep apnea anymore, and his energy is “through the roof.”
“I feel now like I did 23 years ago when I entered the ministry,” Ledbetter said. “It’s revitalized [me].”
Ledbetter, pastor of Creeksville Baptist Church in Conway, chose to proceed with the procedure that removed part of his stomach after consulting with his physician earlier this year. As he neared 50 years old, the memory of losing his father at 55 and his father-in-law at 56 burdened him. He wanted to be healthy for his wife, his daughter and her family and the church he served.
“Most importantly, I want to be healthy for me and my testimony of the Kingdom and my relationship with the Lord,” he said.
The fatigue he experienced prior to the surgery had hindered his day-to-day ministry, but now he can do more to serve Creeksville Baptist and its members.
Ledbetter encourages others – especially pastors – not to wait to take care of their health. His challenges with high blood pressure progressed slowly, he recalled.
“I did not realize how unhealthy I had become. If I had waited any longer, I don’t know what would have happened.”
Ledbetter said the surgery and lifestyle changes it required, which he has documented and shared on a YouTube channel called “A Brand New Matt,” were “anything but easy.” He was on a liquid diet before and after the surgery. For two weeks he ate only pureed food. Because a gastric sleeve limits food intake, he eats only about three ounces of food six times a day. But the benefits have been worth it, he said.
“It’s a good testimony for the Kingdom that I can give my very best serving the Lord.”
Pursuing Godly stewardship
The “revitalized” ministry Ledbetter saw as a result of improved health is similar to one of Jordon Willard’s three foundational motivations for prioritizing pastors’ health.
“Physical health can optimize spiritual service,” Willard said. “If we’re not taking care of our bodies, then that can have an effect on what we are or are not able to do in ministry.”
Willard, pastor of First Baptist Church of Weddington, also reminds himself and others that Christians are stewards, not owners, of their bodies, and that “our bodies are blood-bought and Spirit-indwelled.
“We have a responsibility with the body that God has given us.”
Before he came to faith in college and recognized a call to ministry, Willard was on a path to a career in fitness and nutrition. He planned to pursue a degree in exercise science and transfer to Appalachian State University. Instead, he transferred to the College at Southeastern.
“My plan was to spend my life helping people build their physical bodies, but God’s plan for me was to make me a pastor and help build His body,” he often says.
“Physical health can optimize spiritual service. If we’re not taking care of our bodies, then that can have an effect on what we are or are not able to do in ministry.”
Jordon Willard
It took several years, but he learned to integrate his background in health and fitness with his approach to life and ministry. His perspective shifted from idolizing self-image to pursuing good stewardship and godliness through bodily training.
A well-balanced lifestyle of regular activity and healthy food consumption requires discipline, Willard said.
“When we think about discipline, self control is a part of that, and self control is a part of the fruit of the Spirit.”
Willard encourages pastors to take practical steps toward healthy habits and to build a support system through accountability partners.
“Get moving,” he said, whether it’s taking a walk while on a call or working at a standing desk. Keeping in touch with people who have similar goals helps provide mutual encouragement and celebrate even small victories.
Rest is equally important, Willard has found. “I’m not God, and God made me to need rest and adequate sleep for the sake of my own physical health.
“You don’t want to be sidelined, so to speak. You want to be able to be used to the maximum potential for maximum impact in the kingdom of God.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE – This story has been edited to clarify that Willard initially wanted to pursue a degree in exercise science. The original version inaccurately suggested that he enrolled at Appalachian State University. We apologize for the error.)
