
Rev. Dr. Ken Robinson of St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee was recently interviewed by HopeandHealing.org in an article titled Soulful Messengers about his congregation’s health ministry activities. Every congregation reading this article can find something that inspires them to try something new.
Archive for the 'Discussion Starters' Category
What can a vibrant health ministry look like?
Published October 26, 2009 Daily Thought and Prayer , Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: abstinence, Community Baby Shower, congregations, Faith & Health, health disparities, health education, health ministry, health promotion, infant mortality, Memphis, Rev. Dr. Ken Robinson, Sisters Taking a Righteous Stand, St. Andrew AME Church
Physicians and Prayer
Published October 24, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: Church Health Center, LeBonheur Childrens Medical Center, Memphis, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, prayer, Scott Morris

This is a link to a great article from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly that features interviews from several physicians in Memphis, Tennessee, including the Founder and Executive Director of the Church Health Center, Rev. Dr. Scott Morris.
Right Care at the Right Time
Published July 30, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: Faith & Health, health policy, health reform, uninsured
This thoughtful article by Geoff Calkins of the Commercial Appeal in Memphis highlights a challenge faced by uninsured Americans – getting care before it is too late. This has complicated societal and financial implications. I think this article also provides an interesting beginning point for a discussion on how our faith traditions inform our opinions on health reform.
A new article at HopeandHealing.org
Published June 30, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: Church Health Center, disease prevention, exercise, faith, Faith & Health, health ministry, Hope & Healing, wellness

Mary Cay Oyler is a valued coworker of mine at Church Health Center. Not only does this article help you see how faith and health are intertwined, but it also gives insight into the wonderful work we do at our prevention and wellness ministry known as Hope & Healing. Enjoy, Butch
Care for Caregivers
Published May 26, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things , My View Leave a CommentTags: caring for caregivers, Faith & Health, health ministry, hospice, long-term care

A visitor to my blog asked me about caring for caregivers. This article posted by my friends at HopeandHealing.org is titled “Care for Your Caregiver.” I think it is the kind of article nurses and other medical professionals could give to their patients in long-term care as a way to advocate for the family member or friend who is their primary caregiver.
If you have a special article or advice to offer caregivers or those in their care, I hope you will comment here and link to the article so others may learn. Peace, Butch
The Church and Mental Illness
Published May 13, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: bipolar disorder, depression, living with mental illness, Marja Bergen, Mental Health Month, mental illness

My friends at HopeandHealing.org are featuring articles on mental illness throughout the month of May. Marja Bergen writes and blogs about living with bipolar disorder and the roles faith communities have played. Read an excerpt from her book, A Firm Place to Stand. You can also check out her blog. Click on Roller Coaster in my blog roll.
Congregations and Pandemics
Published May 8, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: Gary Gunderson, health ministry, pandemic, Swine Flu
My friends at HopeandHealing.org have posted an article by Rev. Dr. Gary Gunderson titled “The Role of Worshipping Congregations Amid Pandemic.” Dr. Gunderson is a leading voice in the faith and health movement and offers wonderful insight into the strength of congregations.
Health Ministry with Teenagers
Published May 1, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: health ministry for teenagers, teen health issues, teenagers

With the school year winding down, you might be developing summer programming for the teenagers of your faith community. I encourage to read Deborah Patterson’s ariticle, Health Ministry with Teenagers and consider some of her suggestions for helping teenagers with some of their unique health issues.
Swine Flu and Faith Communities
Published April 30, 2009 Did You Know? Tables , Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things 1 CommentTags: congregational health ministry, epidemic, pandemic, Swine Flu
My friends at HopeandHealing.org have compiled articles related to swine flu and what the faith community can do. Be sure to take a look at Churches Respond to Swine Flu.
You can also find a good link the CDC’s swine flu site from an earlier post on this blog.
Swine Flu
Published April 27, 2009 Did You Know? Tables , Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things , My View 1 CommentTags: CDC, Centers for Disease Control, health ministry, Swine Flu
With the nation being brought to alert about Swine Flu, I wanted to share with my readers the website from the Centers for Disease Control which gives numerous links to additional information and prevention tips. Congregations are wonderful places to disseminate reliable health information. As public spaces, congregations must also be mindful of ways to minimize the potential spread of diseases such as Swine Flu.
You should also check out my more recent post on churches responding to swine flu.
An Earth Day Reflection
Published April 20, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things , My View Leave a CommentTags: Asthma, Earth Day, Faith & Health, health ministry, wellness

The editors of hopeandhealing.org have posted a reflection I have written for Earth Day that suggests that one way to honor this day is to consider those members of your congregation who live with asthma. I hope you enjoy this reflection and find it helpful.
HIV/AIDS – A New Call For Urgency
Published April 1, 2009 Discussion Starters , Faith & Wellness , Links & Things Leave a CommentTags: AIDS, health ministry, HIV, Women's Collective
In the April 6 edition of Newsweek, reporter Claudia Kalb writes about the 3% of Washington D.C.’s residents living with HIV or AIDS. The article was a wake up call reminding me that people are still getting infected in this country at alarming rates and that people are still dying.
My friends at HopeandHealing.org have gathered several relevant resources for HIV/AIDS ministries.
If you congregation has programming for the those afflicted with HIV/AIDS and/or their families, I hope you will share by posting here so others may learn.