Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church is one of The Wellness Coalition’s newest health ministry partners, but having a health ministry is nothing new for their church family. Interested in enhancing their health ministry, health ministry leaders sought guidance.

Before partnering with The Wellness Coalition, their health ministry team was concerned about the high rates of people in communities of color dying from diseases that a lifestyle change could manage.

Some of the things the health ministry did to provide education and resources to the congregation and community included offering blood pressure logs and follow-up opportunities, inviting physicians and nurses to speak, and hosting weight loss challenges, and giving the winner a large basket of fresh fruits and vegetables. Hutchinson has been doing a lot to reach the congregation and community for a while now.

Having a Health Ministry is a Priority for the Church

In the past year, Hutchison has gained a new pastor. Pastor Courtney Meadows came in with his feet on the ground and ready to continue impacting the community. Having a health ministry is essential for so many reasons and an involved pastor, a healthy environment, lifestyle-changing church activities, and support groups help build a strong foundation.

During a recent interview, Pastor Meadows said, “It is impossible to carry out the mission and mandate given by Jesus Christ if the body isn’t in proper condition as a vessel to be used by God. Therefore, health and wellness is a priority for our church because it is a priority for God.”

Hutchinson is holistically developing the church and community by focusing on the body, spirit, and mind. They’ve found that lack of proper diet and physical activity causes mental health challenges prevalent in people of color. The ultimate goal is for every ministry to promote health and wellness; therefore, once the health ministry creates a healthy nutrition policy, it will be promoted throughout the ministries and help get the church healthy.

Impacting the Community

Hutchinson has been significantly impacting the communities. Their efforts have generated a new momentum within the church in all areas. Monthly food distribution has brought about much success.

In February, they distributed 30,850 pounds of food to 239 families to kick off their partnership with The Wellness Coalition. In total, they served 742
people through that distribution; 336 were under 18 years of age, and 230 were over 60 years of age. The following month, they continued their reach into the community by distributing over 31,000 pounds of food to 274 families.

There has been great emphasis on reshaping the culture of the church as they prepare to return to in-person gatherings. Reaching the community with virtual resources has also been a success for the health ministry team.

Most activities have been virtual so it has allowed activities and shared information to reach more people than obtained through in-person events. Hutchinson has promoted activities and shared various health topics through social media, monthly newsletters, church websites, and information sessions. The virtual setting has been a lifesaver for the community.

F.I.N.E.: Fitness Instruction with Nutritional Experts

F.I.N.E, a six-week program created by Hutchinson, will engage a fitness instructor to host nutrition education training for a multigenerational church group to exercise and develop a healthy lifestyle. To provide nutritional training and cooking demos, they’ve partnered with the Alabama Cooperative Extension.

It’s no secret to the Hutchinson Church family that Hutchinson is known for its Kool-Aid punch at church events such as vacation Bible school and eating gatherings. Because this punch is composed of so much sugar, they have begun limiting the punch at their events. And through their various partnerships, they will continue providing health-related education on why it’s imperative to serve healthier options at events.

Building Partnerships

Networking is vital to building partnerships. However, building partnerships is nothing new for Hutchison’s health ministry. Over the past months, the
health ministry leaders have built partnerships with organizations such as Saith Paul AME, American Legion, and Parks Pharmacy.

For example, through the collaboration with Parks Pharmacy, they had the opportunity to serve the community by hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in June with two vaccine options, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. More excitingly, they served healthy food options to the volunteer team and offered healthy snacks to the community as they received their vaccination. The opportunity to help educate and vaccinate more individuals in the communities is greatly appreciated.

Hutchinson’s health ministry team has taken advantage of working with Crystal Nelson, the health ministry consultant. As a result, they joined Saint
Paul AME at their sexual abuse session for the community and were able to bring information back to their members and community.

In addition, they continue their partnership with the American Cancer Society and participate in Walk MS through the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church has done a lot to impact the community, and they have a lot more planned. The Wellness Coalition looks
forward to seeing the many festivities that will take place on behalf of Hutchinson’s health ministry team.