JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 30, 2025 — Union University is extending a new benefit to Tennessee Baptist pastors, offering them free membership at the university’s Wellness Center, with discounted rates for their wives.
Ray Van Neste, Union’s vice president for university ministries and dean for the School of Theology and Missions, said the benefit connects with Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s initiatives emphasizing pastoral wellness.
“Our Tennessee Baptist pastors are men who are faithful shepherds, and we are thankful for them,” Van Neste said. “At Union, we want to be a helpful partner, both with pastors and the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board as a whole. This benefit is one way for us to do that.”
For pastors’ wives, the special Wellness Center rate is $7 per month.
Joe Sorah, the Strengthening Gospel Leaders team leader for the TBMB, said a survey of Tennessee Baptist pastors earlier this year indicated that only 12 percent engaged in physical activity five or more times per week.
“One common complaint for ministers regarding exercise is where they can go, where they can afford to go and when they can go,” Sorah said. “Union University is removing that hurdle for West Tennessee ministers.”
Sorah said that the TBMB’s desire for healthy ministers goes beyond mental and spiritual health and includes physical wellbeing.
“With the demands of the ministry upon a minister, physical activity is vital to healthy ministry,” he said.
For more information, email campusrec@uu.edu.