Health isn’t something we can achieve solely on our own – it’s connected to the environment around us. Having access to fresh foods (and being able to afford them!), being able to walk or jog safely without the risk of being hit by a speeding car -- these things all play into our overall sense of well-being.

There are definitely things that congregations can do to improve the health environment in and around the church. And we want to hear about them!

Has your church tried an evidence-based health program like The Amazing PACE? How is it going? These sorts of health programs for churches have been shown to be effective in improving knowledge of healthy eating, increasing physical exercise, and reducing risks for chronic disease and disease symptoms.

Other changes churches make are more subtle, yet they’re no less important. Tweaking the Wednesday night menu, perhaps. Or converting an existing, but unused, walking path into a popular “Prayer Walk” just by posting a simple sign that names it as such.

Clergy at our initial Spirited Life workshops shared lots of ideas their congregations are implementing to enrich the health of their church. (The Prayer Walk example was one of my favorites!) But we know there are others. We hope you’ll share your ideas here or on our Facebook page. Or email Matt Toth – he’d love to chat with you about what your church is doing and what it was like to get started.

The simplest ideas are often the easiest for others to implement. So please share!

Thanks!
Kate Rugani
Communications Director