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The Meaning of Obesity in the Church: A Pastoral Leader’s Perspective

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight a unique case regarding obesity and weight loss in the Christian church that emerged when interviewing men who had experienced bariatric surgery. Thirty-four-year-old “Pastor Tom” was removed from his position in the church due to his obesity. Through critical reflection, utilizing an intrinsic case study methodology, the authors explore how this research participant constructed meaning around obesity and weight loss. In this study, two major themes emerged: (1) leading by example and (2) becoming a leader. The study includes a discussion of implications for the church as well as teaching, clinical, and research implications.

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Notes

  1. See the article (Moore and Cooper 2016) for additional demographics related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status as well as weight before and after surgery of all participants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mercer University School of Medicine, 655 First Street, Rm. 311, Macon, GA, 31201, USA

    Darren D. Moore & Ericka N. King

  2. University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, USA

    Jada E. Brooks

Authors
  1. Darren D. Moore
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  2. Jada E. Brooks
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Correspondence to Darren D. Moore.

Appendix A

Appendix A

Selected questions from interview protocol:

  1. 1.

    What made you decide to get bariatric surgery?

  2. 2.

    Was your relationship or relationship status a factor in your decision to have weight loss surgery?

  3. 3.

    How did you prepare for having bariatric surgery?

  4. 4.

    How would you describe yourself prior to the surgery versus after the surgery?

  5. 5.

    Do you think that you’ve changed as a person after the surgery?

  6. 6.

    How do others talk about you since the surgery?

  7. 7.

    Are you happier and more content now within your relationship?

  8. 8.

    How connected do you feel to your partner?

  9. 9.

    How is emotional intimacy expressed in your relationship?

  10. 10.

    Has that feeling of connection changed during this process?

  11. 11.

    What role did your partner play during this process?

  12. 12.

    Is there anything you would change about your emotional connection to your partner or future partners?

  13. 13.

    In which ways did you feel supported or not supported by your partner?

  14. 14.

    Have you ever had negative thoughts or feelings about your relationship during this process?

  15. 15.

    Now that you have lost some weight, have you ever thought about leaving your relationship or dating other people?

  16. 16.

    Do you feel more or less comfortable engaging in sexual activity with your partner now after the surgery or do you feel the same?

  17. 17.

    Have you ever received any romantic or sexual attention from outside of your relationship?

  18. 18.

    Other than your partner, who else supported you doing this process?

  19. 19.

    Tell me, overall, what is life like after bariatric surgery for you?

  20. 20.

    What changes have you made in your life since getting the surgery?

  21. 21.

    Is there anything else that you want to share about bariatric surgery that I did not ask you that you feel is important for me to know?

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Moore, D.D., Brooks, J.E. & King, E.N. The Meaning of Obesity in the Church: A Pastoral Leader’s Perspective. Pastoral Psychol 66, 45–64 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-016-0716-2

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