| Top Ten Reasons to Develop a Congregational Ministry
of Health
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/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
|
, an introduction to Congregational Health Ministries.
