Steps for Beginning
a
Health Ministries Program

I. The Educational Process:

A. Identify with the vision - Begin with key people in the congregation.

Most programs report that the process begins with commitment from a lay health professional and/or a pastor of the church.

B. Become informed about Health Ministries.

Books are available from:
The International Parish Nurse Resource Center
475 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: (314) 918-2527
FAX: (314) 918-2558

Website: www.advocatehealth.com/about/faith/parishn/

Email: parish.resource.center@worldnet.att.net

Memberships and literature are available from:
The Health Ministries Association
295 W. Crossville Rd.
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (800) 280-9919, FAX (770) 640-1095

Website:www.healthministriesassociation.org

Email: hmassoc@mindspring.com

Literature is available from:
The Congregational Nurse Project of NW Ohio
c/o Catholic Charities
1933 Spielbusch
P.O. Box 985
Toledo, OH 43697

Literature and Reference Materials are available from:
West Central Ohio Health Ministries Program
129 South Pierce Street
Lima, OH 45801
Phone: (419) 227-0753

Email:wcohmp@embarqmail.net

Share health and wholeness information with ministerial staff and others in the congregation (Health and Wellness Committee, Sunday School or Adult Education Classes).

Invite all interested parties together for a presentation on Health Ministries.

II. The Integration Process:

A. Integrate the philosophy of health and wholeness into the congregational mission and outreach.

Pray for God's direction in the ministry.

Practice the philosophy. For example, obtain books related to wholeness and healthy lifestyle for the library; incorporate the concepts into messages and serve healthy food at functions.

B. Evaluate current ministries of the congregation.

Assess the current programs of the church.

Identify gaps in care and those needs not met.

Often congregations find that there are many programs going on, but there is not a planned approach to wellness ministry.

III. Organize and Plan for Health Ministries:

A. Establish a Health Ministries Committee Cabinet.

Evaluate the most appropriate organizational position for health ministry in your congregation.

Establish the purpose and goals of the Health Ministries Committee.

Identify congregational resources (health professionals lay ministers, educators, volunteers).

Identify resources within the community. Be aware of the community offerings and avoid duplication. Concentrate on doing what the congregation does best.

B. Do a needs assessment.

Include all age groups. Use several avenues to do the congregational assessment (personal interviews, questionnaires, phone calls, etc.).

Prioritize the needs and begin a planned Health Ministry.

IV. Develop a Health Ministry Committee Structure

A. Establish the committee size.

The size of the committee will vary depending upon the size the congregation. A group of five to fifteen people who are interested in promoting a Health Ministry is usually a good size. The group can be a working committee or can act as an Advisory Board only.

B. Choose a Coordinator.

The job of the coordinator is to provide direction, facilitate dialogue between the committee and the rest of the congregation and to lead the group in any projects.

C. Request a time commitment from the committee members.

Continuity is important. Make sure that several committee members agree to remain on the committee for more than one year.

Hold regular committee meetings.

V. Plan, Implement and Evaluate the Program.

This portion of the process is ongoing. Evaluation of programs offered and suggestions of new programs should be continuing. Reassess the needs of the congregation periodically.

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