Introduction

Health is more than mere absence of disease and illness. Health is “abundant life” as promised by Jesus in John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Spiritual health, defined as seeking and acting on God’s will for the people of God, is the heart and center of the Christian view of wholeness, providing a foundation for the interrelationship of the other three key dimensions of health — Physical Health, Mental/Emotional Health, and Social Health. Placed at the center of these three dimensions, spiritual health influences actions taken, choices made, and deeply affects our perceptions of the world and our outlook on life. As United Methodists, we are well equipped to address the spiritual health of our communities. However, we are also directed to address the other dimensions of health:

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

The Healthy Congregations Recognition Program was developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to promote health and sharing ministries in Kansas Area United Methodist Churches. The program, now in its eleventh year, has been revised to reflect the connection between the health ministries of local United Methodist churches and the dimensions of holistic health:

• Physical health, taking care of our bodies, is an essential part of the Christian lifestyle. A healthy physical body is energized, functions smoothly, and supports mental and spiritual well-being. A lifestyle of physical self-care, including adequate activity and healthy food choices, is an important dimension of holistic health and wellness.
  
• Mental/emotional health is demonstrated through self-acceptance, self-esteem, accurate self-perception, and inner serenity. Mental/emotional health brings an integrated sense of core values; an accurate perception of the world and others; emotional intelligence of empathy, social skills, control of impulses, and optimistic persistence; the ability to relate to other people and God in constructive ways; and the ability to cope with life’s setbacks. Opportunities to continue lifelong learning, to express creativity, and to challenge the mind contribute to mental/emotional health.
  
• Social health is well-being in relationships with others and is a dominant theme throughout the Bible. Contributing to holistic health is the quality of the network of caring people found where we live, work, play, and worship. People with strong social ties to family, friends, co-workers, and community tend to be happier and healthier. Opportunities for social interaction in a caring faith community contribute significantly to health and well-being.

Healthy Congregations reporting guidelines and instructions

What is required?

• Churches should report activities that promote physical health, mental/emotional health or social health.
  
• The report forms include lists of activities reported by churches in the past. These lists are intended to help trigger memories of activities done throughout the year as well as provide inspiration for future activities. For each reported activity, please enter the requested information and details as appropriate.
  
• Each activity should only be listed once in the report.
  
• Churches reporting at least the minimum number of activities based on membership category will be designated Healthy Congregations and will receive the choice of a free health resource.
  
• Six churches (one from each of three membership categories in Kansas West and Kansas East Conferences) reporting outstanding examples of health ministries will be designated “Healthy Congregations of the Year” and will receive $1,500 cash awards.
  
• To be eligible for the $1,500 Healthy Congregation of the Year award, reports must include a narrative description in each of the three health dimension categories highlighting a creative or unique reported activity and how that activity integrates with spiritual health.
  
• The Healthy Congregations Advisory Committee reviews all of the reports and makes the final award determinations.

Why should we participate in Healthy Congregations?

• Help us recognize the good work your congregation has done in health ministry!
• By sharing your ideas, you help to improve the health ministry of other congregations.
• Your church will receive one of several free health resources.
• Your church could receive a $1,500 recognition award!

How do we participate?

• Select one representative who will be responsible for reporting your church's health activities
• Fill out our report form, either on-line through our website (strongly encouraged) or on paper.
• For a paper version to use as a draft or submit, download the form: [MS Word Format] [Adobe PDF format]
• If your congregation completed a 2006 HC Recognition report online, reported activities can be easily rolled over into this year's online report. Start your report and follow the instructions within.
• Submit your completed report on-line or postmarked by the report deadline.

When will the awards for outstanding health ministry be announced?

• Healthy Congregations awards will be presented at the 2008 Healthy Congregations Annual Retreat.
• Healthy Congregations will be recognized at the Kansas East and Kansas West Annual Conferences.
• Selected health ministry activities will be published in the annual Healthy Congregations brochure and on the Health Fund website.
• Health resources will be shipped directly to churches.

Questions? Need help? Contact us by e-mail or phone (listed below). We’ll be happy to help!

United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
620-662-8586 - 800-369-7191 - healthfund@healthfund.org