A Health Promotion Partnership among the United Methodist Church, a Medical School and a Health Foundation

Purpose: Synergistic partnerships harness the strengths of each partner. This study evaluated the utility of a collaborative partnership among a statewide church, a medical school and a health foundation to identify areas of concern, develop a logic model and implement plans to impact the health of clergy and laity.

Methods: An ad-hoc task force of clergy and lay health leaders was appointed by a health foundation to explore health-related issues in the United Methodist Church. The health foundation contracted with a medical school to facilitate the collaborative process. The Socio-Ecological Model was used to guide decision-making.

Results: Outputs include a logic model, a resolution for consideration by the statewide church organization, a pilot intervention (HCIA) and evaluation plan, and recommendations for next steps in other church organizations. The resolution passed unanimously in both Annual Conferences. The logic model was used to identify a number of potential opportunities for intervention, including a congregational initiative was evaluated on three levels: congregational, leadership team, and participant. A second resolution will be proposed in 2008 that will make the committee permanent within the structure of the church.

Conclusions: A collaborative planning process involving partners with differing perspectives and skill sets results in a more comprehensive plan that addresses multiple needs and utilizes a wider scope of resources.