Church brings holistic perspective to community understanding of health care

By Cyndi Alte

A young single mother receives a meal, diapers and information about immunization during a free luncheon at a local United Methodist Church.
A United Methodist confirmation class visits the Glenburn Home and Wesley Manor.
A member of a United Methodist congregation chats with a widower as she drives him to his doctor's appointment.
A United Methodist congregation participates in weekly blood pressure checks and monthly blood donation drives.
A United Methodist Women's unit studies the inequities in the health care system and is developing a plan to take action.

Each of these congregations is participating in congregational health ministries. For some it happens in a formal manner, with committees and procedures in place. For others it happens informally, when members want to be informed and act upon health issues. Every congregation that cares for its members and its community is involved in congregational health ministries. That means all of us - we are all actively pursuing wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

In the broadest sense, a health ministry is anything a faith community can do to promote the holistic well-being of the people in the congregation and/or in the community.

United Methodists historically and continue to believe that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a sacred place consecrated by God's presence. People who believe that the body is a gift and the dwelling place of God will treat it with great care. That means mothers in need find help, confirmands learn about the most vulnerable ones, widows and widowers discover they are not alone, the physical health of an entire congregation can be affected, United Methodist Women make a difference to the underserved - and so much more.

The church brings a holistic perspective to a community's understanding of health: one that integrates body, mind, and spirit in congregations and communities, promoting prevention and wellness. Because of their inherent interest in the well-being of all God's people, the church is the obvious place for all elements of health and healing to be discussed.

Congregational Health Ministries encompasses all that affects our well-being - our spirituality, our physical and mental health, our relationships, our finances, our vocation, even our politics. The goal of effective health ministries is to have all those influences work in harmony so that we are drawn into a closer relationship with God and with all God's creation.

In addition to tending to the internal wellbeing of the congregation, local churches can address the needs of those outside it. They can advocate for more appropriate and accessible health care services, work toward justice in the health care industry and provide a forum for equity in medical treatment. Local churches are the appropriate place to inform, educate and act upon all aspects of our medical system.

All of this is Congregational Health ministries. Within its spectrum, there are a variety of ways for congregations to engage in practices that enhance the wellbeing of whole communities. While each congregation is unique and has its own set of resources and needs, four basic models have emerged. Each emphasizes holistic health for the individual as well as the community. Most of these models exist in a collaborative manner.

Health Minister: A professional health caregiver on the church staff who provides services to individuals and groups

Lay Counselor: A trained volunteer who serves as an advisor on health education and promotion for individuals and groups

Healing Congregations: Congregations that engage in a holistic health program

Participatory Health: A group in need that analyzes its problems and develops its own solutions

Throughout the Indiana Area congregations and individuals are engaging in creative ways to enhance the wellbeing of faith communities. If we trust the imperative of the Gospel, we believe that healthy churches and healthy people can affect the work of God.

So take a look around you - see where your church is active in the wholeness of its members and community. Then look again - see where your church might be more effective in its healing ministry.

For more information about Congregational Health Ministries, please contact the Rev. Cyndi Alte (calte@clarian.org). Clarian Health Partners sponsors a Congregational Health Ministries event. The next scheduled event is July 24-27 at Fatima Retreat Center in Indianapolis, with another event planned in the fall. Please contact Alte or Pat Thorlton, R.N. (pthorlton@clarian.org) for registration material.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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