Top Ten Reasons to Develop a Congregational Ministry of Health

From National Presbyterian Health Ministries

10. Most congregations are already involved — to some extent — in the ministry of health, whether or not that title is used. Health ministries that are intentional and organized can assist and support busy and beleaguered pastors.

9. Presbyterians surveyed in 2003 ranked the challenges of health and related issues ahead of family and children, work, social activities, love and marriage.

8. Presbyterian Churches are found in places — even today— where health education, prevention programs and even medical care are not adequate and available to all people. Outreach through churches is an important witness.

7. John Calvin reminded us we are not alone. Nor are we immune. Health problems — both temporary and chronic — are found — but not always expressed — among our membership. We can experience better health after risks have been identified and addressed.

6. Our congregations, with a median age of 56, experience the reality of health issues and caregiving that often accompany the aging process and impact both individuals and their younger family members.

5. Inequities in the health care system, increases in the numbers of uninsured (now 45 million), regulation changes in the financing and delivery of health care are faced daily by groups who need the voice and influence of the membership of the PC (USA) to advocate for them.

4. Younger congregation members can be introduced to “service” as a value — through enjoyable programs such as “Congregational Caregiving using Special Pets” creating meaningful experiences that will aid them throughout their lives.

3. Congregational Health Ministries programs provide wonderful opportunities to welcome and integrate new members into the life of the congregation by providing them with volunteer opportunities that are specific, interesting and for which they will be prepared or trained.

2. Congregational Health Ministries promotes personal growth for volunteers through the opportunity to look at many aspects of values, beliefs and life skills. Even as members are involved in hands-on work, they experience a transcendent spirituality — their own unique and personal response to the call of Christ through the Spirit in the world of inner and outer realities.

1. Congregational Health Ministries articulate and demonstrate willingness to act as Christ did, and an adherence to a belief in compassionate concern for others that is foundational to our denominational faith group and informs our moral values.

What are some examples of Congregational Health Ministry?

• A cadre of volunteers, equipped and ready to visit hospitalized members of the congregation or who provide support and respite services for family members in long – term care giving situations
• Congregational health education and fitness programs
• Partnerships with people, communities or other Presbyterian churches that are less well resourced or who are medically underserved
• Programs for younger members, exploring important issues such as teen suicide, eating disorders, identity questions in an environment that is supportive and nurturing
  

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