In order for faith and public health initiatives to be faith-based as well as faith-placed, the support of clergy is needed. An understanding of the theological underpinnings that support such initiatives is needed by clergy and public health professionals seeking to work with them. Religious denominations provide an organizational structure for many local congregations. They serve a national and often international constituency, consequently their inititatives in faith and health have the potential of positively impacting a wide range of communities. This session will describe one denomination's efforts to promote faith based health promotion in response to member demand. Local congregations are being helped to develop and expand their health ministries that promote the health of congregations and communities. Interdisciplinary seminary education on faith and health to prepare future clergy and health professionals to initiate and support faith-based health promotion has also been initiated.
Learning Objectives: 1.Describe a denominational approach to encouraging faith-based health ministries in local congregations and communities 2.Identify the role of interdisciplinary seminary education in promoting faith-based health promotion
Keywords: Faith Community, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Evangelical Covenant Church
North Park Theological Seminary
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment