The Health and Wellness Ministry in the African American Church


Book Description

Edwin H. Hamilton, M.D., D.Min., writes this provocative book introducing and establishing throughout the Black Church a program of Preventive Health Education through a Health and Wellness Ministry. Riggins R. Earl, Jr., Ph.D., noted theologian/philosopher, writes an insightful introduction based on Booker T. Washington?s teachings.The prevailing spiritual thought embodies I Corinthians 6:19: ?Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit??A three-part Model-in-Ministry design comprises the Minister of Health and Wellness?Preventive Health Education and Community Health Outreach. These are explained for Health Ministers and laity alike. The ministry?s theological foundation is presented succinctly. The planning of the Ministry and The Community Health Fair is clearly explained. The summary and conclusions give precise points regarding the ministry. Empowering course outlines for the Health and Wellness Ministry give concise pathways for any church to use for Health Ministry establishment. A chapter on Water and two of the author?s sermons from the Hampton University Ministers? Conference are included in this new edition.













Addressing the Health Disparities


Book Description

Interventions focusing on reducing health disparities among African Americans have gained some success. Research efforts from the perspectives of congregants have received little to no attention in the literature. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of African American congregants from three predominately African American denominations - African Methodist Episcopal [AME], Baptist, Church of God in Christ [COGIC] - in an urban area of an upper mid-west state on the opinions and experiences with their Health Ministry at their respective churches. A synthesis of health disparities research among African American males and female congregants is furnished. Key Informant interviews with African Americans involved in their Health Ministry were prepared. Data analysis using the transcribed interviews was organized. Several important themes emerged from the qualitative data that have implications for faith-based health promotion intervention for African Americans. Four themes emerged from the data: Provision of Educational Materials for the Promotion of Health, Trusting Relationships, Advocates for Health, and Next Generation. The major themes from the qualitative interviews emphasized the importance of the role of the Health Ministries in the promotion of health and wellness through its activities to reduce or eliminate health disparities. Pastors value research and seek faith-based activities that enhance the health and wellness of congregants and community residents. Yet, future studies must focus on how to create and maintain strong formal networks that help them to meet this goal.




Empowering Pathways


Book Description

Empowering Pathways is a unique guidebook that outlines a holistic faith based approach to congregational health and wellness. The book provides interventional strategies, helpful tools, and techniques that are designed to assist Christian churches with practical methods to establish or transform a congregational health and wellness ministry. A ten step process for establishing a ministry, the composition and characteristics of the wellness team, and the strategic planning process is presented with graphic illustrations and examples. Other relevant health data on many chronic diseases is provided in an easy to follow format. Detailed guidelines on acquiring knowledge of health-care support services that are designed to prevent, detect, and treat illness are included. Also, the book is a useful personal health reference guide for parishioner and their families in pursuing advocacy, empowerment, and support for one another. Strategies and methods to take control of your health while making appropriate lifestyle changes are discussed. The book discusses the importance of preparing for health care visits and the advantages of forming a partnership with your health-care. Other practical information to optimize your health experience is outlined. Empowering Pathways emphasizes that preserving our health and faith are high priorities. As Christians, we often concentrate on our spiritual needs and neglect the condition of our mind and body. It is important to acknowledge Gods concern for the whole being of the Christian. God desires us to be strong in mind, body, and spirit; therefore, protecting and preserving our health and well-being is an act of appreciation to Him. The Christian church plays a significant role in connection our faith, health, and engagement. This book is a helpful and concise reference guidebook that will inspire and encourage Christians individually and collectively. The author has used her knowledge of congregational health and wellness and other ministry responses to reflect on the love Jesus demonstrated in His ministry of healing.










Public Health Education in the African American Community


Book Description

The African American community is facing a health crisis. We are in a predicament in which excessive eating is the order of the day. This overindulgence of food has caused obesity, infant mortality, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease/failure, cardiovascular disease, and eventual death. The purpose of this book is to build public awareness of the health crisis facing the black community, develop a health education model suitable for use in large and small groups that would serve to improve diet and exercise in at-risk individuals and promote the establishment of Faith and Health initiates in the local church.




The Development and Implementation of a Health and Wellness Ministry at the Open Door Church of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky


Book Description

Chapter 1 gives an introduction to The Open Door Church of Louisville and its surrounding community. The demographics of the community and church reveal that the congregation of Open Door is receptive to the implementation of a health and wellness ministry. Chapter 2 addresses the biblical and theological issues surrounding a health and wellness ministry. It seeks to provide a foundation for the understanding of the value of a wholistic approach in ministering to people. Biblical texts are presented to explain what the Bible says about the importance of our stewardship toward our bodies. Chapter 3 describes and discusses the African American picture of health giving the past and current health status of black women and black men. In addition, this chapter seeks to discuss health disparities and the most common diseases plaguing the African American community. Chapter 4 explains the process used in the implementation of the project. Chapter 5 focuses on analysis and evaluation of the project initiatives. This includes both successful and unsuccessful results of those initiatives taken. This chapter also examines the strong and weak points of the project through reflection upon the project. Additionally, an assessment is be made of the impetus for future activities evolving out of this project.