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Health Ministry Ideas

Many in the U.S. lack health care benefits and have nowhere to turn to receive medical care at a reasonable cost. Others would choose some forms of alternative care, but the health policy they have does not allow them to use their benefits for that kind of care. A church or parachurch ministry may sponsor a health ministry as one way to meet the needs of congregants. Many programs work with a body/mind/spirit approach.

  1. Church Health Fair

    • Annually or semi-annually, sponsor a health fair and invite medical and alternative health care providers and wellness professionals in your church to provide information, products and screenings to the congregation. Require a small fee from the professionals to fund your health ministry. Use the funds to provide referrals and assistance for care to congregants in need. Maintain a list of professionals who offer discounted rates to church members and the kinds of services they provide.

    Church-Sponsored Health Clinic

    • Staff a health clinic one or more days a week for church members. Provide blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring, minor care services and counseling as appropriate for staff. Elder, prenatal, infant and children's health care could provide services for those most at risk in the community.

      Work cooperatively with medical and alternative medical professionals, offering a choice to congregants on the kind of care they want. For example, offer prenatal care with a midwife or an obstetrician, when possible.

    Annual Screening Events

    • Cooperate with the health department, area hospitals and health care providers to offer annual screening opportunities several times each year. Allot space for several different screening options concurrently so congregants can take advantage of the service. Negotiate for free or low cost tests from the providers.

      Provide transportation for members who need it or schedule the screenings in conjunction with a Sunday service or other well-attended activity.

    Wellness Classes

    • Allow alternative, medical and wellness professionals to teach classes at the church. Publicize the class schedule in the Sunday bulletin or church newsletter. Poll the church membership to determine the kinds of topics they wish to see on the schedule.

      Offer Saturday wellness offerings monthly where multiple professionals can offer classes concurrently. Massage therapists, nutritionists and wellness coaches could offer services in the building for those not engaged in a class.

    Health Cooking

    • Collect heart healthy, diabetic, low salt and nutritious recipes for a church health ministry cookbook. Allow health professionals to buy advertisement space in the cookbook. Use the proceeds from sales and advertising to fund your health ministry.

      Provide a copy of the cookbook with nutritious food items to new families who sign up with your food pantry or meals program.

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