Health Ministry Resources

Essential to church vitality and healthy congregations, health ministry describes the variety of ways that churches can promote health for their clergy, congregants and communities.

Role of the Local Church

Churches play a significant role in the lives of their clergy, congregants and surrounding community and an important part of those lives is health-related. The church can help create healthier individuals by enhancing modern medical care with activities that promote healthier lifestyles, provide support for life issues, and offer emotional support to both individuals and families. The church can also serve as a safe place where all aspects of health (physical, emotional, spiritual, social) can be discussed using the faith traditions that are important to those involved.

Let Us Know

To make this website helpful to your ministry, tell us what is working, what is not and what new content you would like to see by e-mailing us at: [email protected]. Your feedback is appreciated as we work to promote health initiatives for clergy, church leaders and congregations.

Wholistic

The "w" is used with the word wholistic when speaking of health ministry and parish/faith community nursing. The Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg first advocated the use of the term "wholistic" to more closely relate the idea of being whole and to avoid confusion with the term "holistic" that connotes non-religious alternative health care practices.

The UMC Health Ministry Network is providing information in this publication as an educational service to illustrate some practices that may have positive impact on well-being. The Network's sharing of this general information should not be construed as, does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as medical advice nor legal, counseling, accounting, tax, or other professional advice or services on any specific matter.