Empowering Pathways
A Reference Guidebook for Establishing a Congregational Health and Wellness Ministry
by
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Role of the Church: Connecting Faith, Health, and Engagement
Much of the Bible as it relates to instructions concerning religious morals is directly linked to healthy life choices. For example, Paul reminds the church at Corinth that their bodies belong to the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Since Jesus’s ministry, the church has engaged in meeting the spiritual and health needs of people. In addition to healing people, Jesus gave power to His disciples to heal those who were sick (Luke 9:1). Also, it could be contended that casting out demons from the possessed led them into good mental health (Mark 5:15).
The modern church continues to embrace healing in every aspect of health, including spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical health. According to the scriptures, God’s will is for His people to prosper in health and wholeness. The church serves as the epicenter for significant life events and activities, and the church is a place to go when help is needed. With the increasing prevalence of so many chronic diseases, the church remains a natural point of reference for healing and wholeness. There is growing evidence that grassroots efforts of church wellness ministries have a profound effect on health outcomes.
Whether you are blessed with good health or bound by illness, the church serves as a place to find strength, hope, and faith. Faith becomes stronger when tested, and you become more open to God’s will for your life when surrounded by people of faith. We cannot change the past; however, with God’s help and the love and support of the church, our future health can be improved. A new and empowering pathway built on faith and prayer is developed through associations with people of faith. Pastoral leadership combined with Christian love creates a church of strength and unity.
Partnerships with Hospitals
The emergence of hospital-based congregational health programs and support services has made an invaluable contribution to reducing health disparities, particularly in underserved populations. The goals of these community programs are to provide a strategic and collaborative partnership with churches to improve the health and well-being of the parishioners. Hospital programs provide leadership with relevant health education, awareness screenings, and other support that is needed to get the word out regarding matters of health. Also, the hospital programs supply physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to act as speakers for seminars and symposiums.
You are encouraged to become familiar with services provided by health-care organizations in your community.
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About the Book
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 God’s 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.
About the Author
BARBARA SMITH HARRISON
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Barbara Smith Harrison served as a healthcare leader for more than forty-two years. During her career, she was involved in many innovative healthcare initiatives and was instrumental in the development of many community programs. She is proud to have served as a role model and mentor to many professionals who are now leaders in their field.
Barbara served as the Project Director and Inaugural Vice President of Lakeland Regional Cancer Center. She was responsible for the design and development of the state-of-the-art and award-winning Center, that is now known as The Hollis Cancer Center at Lakeland Regional Health. The Hollis Center is renowned for providing holistic patient care in an environment of hope and healing. Before her cancer center leadership appointment, Barbara served as the Vice President of The Medical Treatment Center at Florida’s fifth largest hospital, Lakeland Regional Medical Center that is is now known as Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). She currently serves on the hospital’s CEO Advisory Board.
She remains active in professional organizations and has received many awards and honors. Some of her recent honors include recognition as an Influential Leader in Polk County, The Distinguished Alumni Award Polk State College, and Induction into the Polk County Schools Hall of Fame. She serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the Congregational Health and Wellness Ministry at her church. She has developed many successful community seminars on Breast and Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, and other chronic disease conditions.
Harrison received her Nursing Degree from Polk State College, magna cum laude, a BA Degree from Saint Leo University, summa cum laude and a Master of Science in Administration(MSA) from Central Michigan University. She is a lifelong learner and is known for her passionate desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Lord has determined her steps as the author of Empowering Pathways. Her fervent desire is to glorify God by inspiring a culture of wellness through faith and engagement.