The idea that healing and wellness are not limited to the needs of the physical body is found throughout different religious traditions, beliefs, customs, and spiritual practices. We heal and care for the mind, body and soul.

The Congregational Heath Index (CHI) is a concrete assessment that highlights the needs of the body. However, the CHI was developed to be completed within the framework of a faith community; as such, it is important to address the mind and soul throughout the assessment process. For example, it would be appropriate to open and close your meetings and trainings with a prayer, reading or spiritual thoughts that are meaningful to your congregation. Click here for suggestions of prayers, readings and rituals for your Wellness Team.

It is also important for religious leaders to keep placing wellness in a spiritual context during worship, religious education, and in other communications. This leadership, especially if it is paired with modeling healthy behavior, is key to getting the whole congregation on board.

Why Involve Faith Communities in Wellness?

Faith communities have values not found in many other institutions, such as:

• A commitment to caring for ourselves as part of creation and as a way of honoring the Divine.
• A commitment to caring for our neighbors and for bringing justice to the world. Health inequities are a moral issue. Inequitable access to healthy food and physical activity environments translates into higher rates of obesity and related chronic health conditions for low-income people and communities of color. People of faith can shift that balance, in our congregations and in the community. (See Take Action: Advocacy.)
• Placing a high value on right relationships.

And faith communities have unique assets that are sometimes overlooked or not used to their full potential:

• Strength and support that can inspire and sustain healthy change.
• Insights on justice and wellness from religious texts and teachings.
• Strong ties to the community, relationships with disadvantaged groups, and a history of volunteering, donating, and advocating to help others, especially vulnerable populations.
• Land for gardens, playgrounds, bike racks, and open space for sports and active play; indoor space for physical activity and educational programs; kitchens for community meals or to rent to micro-business owners; and space for providing healthy food to congregants and neighbors through farm stands, buying clubs, or other farm to congregation arrangements that also benefit struggling small-scale farmers.  (See the food projects handbook for congregations: "Food Sovereignty for All: Overhauling the Food System with Faith-Based Initiatives.")