Empowering Pathways: A Reference Guidebook for Establishing a Congregational Health and Wellness Ministry

By Barbara Smith Harrison

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 Gods 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512799200

Barbara Smith Harrison

BARBARA SMITH HARRISON A mans 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 Floridas fifth largest hospital, Lakeland Regional Medical Center that is is now known as Lakeland Regional Health (LRH). She currently serves on the hospitals 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.

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Copyright © 2017 Barbara Smith Harrison.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Interior Graphics/Art by Aneva Matthews, Aneva Designs LLC

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are fromthe ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-9919-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-9918-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-9920-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017913532

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/27/2017

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This book is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother,

Mrs. Susie Pearl Smith,

who inspired and taught me that integrity, faith, determination, and knowledge are the keys to success. She instilled in me a desire to achieve excellence and dream big dreams. Although she passed away many years ago, I am still surrounded by her loving and encouraging spirit.

It is also dedicated to

the memory of my best friend

Mrs. Pearl Quary Joel.

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I could tell where the lamplighter was by the trail he left behind him.

-Harry Lauder

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Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

A Pastoral Endorsement

A Pastoral Endorsement

Review

Review

Prologue

Chapter 1     Introduction to Health and Wellness

Chapter 2     State of Our Health

Chapter 3     Establishing a Health and Wellness Ministry

Chapter 4     The Ministry Team

Chapter 5     The Cornerstones and Strategic Plan

Chapter 6     Developing the Ministry Budget

Chapter 7     The Wellness Room

Chapter 8     Ministry Education: Management of Chronic Diseases

Chapter 9     Ministry Education: Lifestyle and Our Health

Chapter 10   Ministry Educational Programs: Seminars and Health Screenings

Chapter 11   Marketing Ministry Events

Chapter 12   Evaluate, Celebrate, Appreciate

Epilogue

Appendix

Works Cited

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Foreword

M any people are blessed with good health to do God’s work for many years to come, and that work comes in a variety of vocations. Each of us receives a calling that is uniquely our own and guided by a higher power. As a physician who gave up working full time in a hospital to work in community health, my eyes have been opened to the wonderful servants of human and spiritual needs who surround all of us.

Instead of being a doctor who cared for one patient at a time, I saw community health as a way to join a dedicated team that helps hundreds of people at one time. This is very similar to the thousands of souls who are ministered to by our clergy every day. Ministries actively guide congregations through life’s ups and downs while looking for divine guidance in finding the ultimate truth.

Love for one another through religion and a sense of community create the foundation that builds a health ministry within a congregation. A healthy body and mind can better carry out the works of God and strengthen the soul. The natural organization of congregations brings parishioners with varied skills to help a health ministry succeed.

With loving care, wisdom, and