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Starting a Health Ministry

ON THIS PAGE:

First Steps
Parish Nursing
Health Committee Guidelines

This is a general model for how to start any health ministry in your church or community. Congregational health ministries can be carried out cooperatively with other churches, health agencies and institutions within the community.

First Steps

• Initial interest comes from a variety of sources-the Health and Welfare Committee, the pastor, individuals who have professional interest, or who were inspired at a conference.
• A committee is established for developing and assisting with programs, promoting the congregational ministries, and supporting personnel.
• A needs assessment is performed that uses input from people who would be served by the new program.
• A strategy is developed.
• As assessment of resources (funds, materials, personnel, partners) is completed.
• Key leaders are identified to implement the program.
• Leaders receive necessary training.
• An event is held to enlist congregational support and participation.

Parish Nursing

If your congregation would like to start a parish nursing ministry follow the steps below:

1. Find a registered nurse in the congregation that is interested in congregational health.
2. If this is to be a paid position the nurse needs to be licensed and registered to practice in the state.
3. Those interested in starting the program should meet with the pastor of the church and obtain approval to begin the program.
4. The parish nurse should attend training specific to parish nursing. Information about parish nursing is available here.
5. Follow the steps to start a health ministry in the congregation.

Health Committee Guidelines

These guidelines provide an outline for the organization, membership and responsibilities of a Congregational Health Committee.

Organization

• Functions as a sub committee of the Health and Welfare work area or as a standing committee of the Administrative Council
• Needs to have a chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary
• Meets regularly to support and direct the church's health ministry

Membership

• Church members interested in holistic health matters for the congregation and community
• Church members interested in children's and youth ministries, women's ministries, singles ministries, caring for the elderly, and outreach ministries
• The pastor and the chairperson of the Health and Welfare work area

Responsibilities

• Plan and assist with the installation of health ministries programs and their introduction to the congregation
• Participate in recruiting members
• Assist in assessing the needs of the congregation and community
• Provide support and direction for the health programs
• Assist the leaders in determining appropriate programs and activities to meet demonstrated needs
• Assist in presenting education programs
• Monitor the development and activities of the health ministries program
• Collaborate with and support the health ministries program by attending conference for Health Committee members
• Evaluate health ministries programs annually and make necessary recommendations to the Health and Welfare work are regarding changes, additions, and modifications to strengthen and enhance the program
• Report regularly to the Administrative Council regarding health ministries programs

Adapted from guidelines by the Health Ministries Association
PO Box 7852
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
800-852-5613