The Wellness Coalition has partnered with churches in Montgomery, Macon, and Lowndes counties to either start a healthy ministry or to enhance existing health ministries. The goal of these partnerships is to help congregations lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
A health ministry is a mind-body-soul approach to wellness that builds on strengths within the congregation and community. Health ministries heighten community awareness between congregational/community resources and partnerships to encourage healthy lifestyle changes, increased physical fitness and chronic disease management and/or prevention.
Health ministries work by promoting positive changes in behavior that are meant to improve the wellness of your members and the community. Churches, healthcare professionals and the community work hand-in-hand to establish or enhance existing health and wellness programs. These partnerships work best when they cater to the needs of your congregation.
We recently sat down with Tennie McBryde, one of three lay leaders for the Saint James Missionary Baptist Church health ministry, to learn more about ways this program has impacted their congregants and the church as a whole.
How has a health ministry enhanced your church?
The health ministry has enhanced our ministry by providing resources and improving healthy living through spiritual education, community involvement, and civic engagement.
The focus of the health ministry is to educate the congregation and the community on health, wellness, safety, and chronic disease prevention. We also provide seminars, interactive presentations, visible reminders, and literature that promotes wellness, leading to healthy lifestyle habits. We engage congregational assemblies to raise awareness about health issues, and to identify and strengthen relationships with community health agencies.
How do you think the program will impact your church?
Our church is regarded as one of the most trusted institutions of faith because it can empower the congregation spiritually. The health ministry will impact our church by engaging communities of faith to promote preventive health initiatives. The health ministry will also collaborate with clergy, practitioners, and experts in healthcare in order to provide activities to the congregation and to the senior saints who are unable to physically attend church or any presentations.
The Health Ministry will be instrumental in coordinating and organizing effective healthy living activities that encourage physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being that promotes healthy lifestyle changes.
Have you celebrated any other recent achievements?
The church recently celebrated its 143rd anniversary. Pastor Benjamin Jones was instrumental in achieving our 501c3 status. The Pastor is a true Servant Leader from the Springhill Community near Eufaula, Alabama.
Call (334) 293-6502 if you are interested in learning more about starting a health ministry at your church.