How to Start a Health and Wellness Ministry in Your Church

These are the first steps you need to take to start a Health and Wellness Ministry in your church. Be sure to read this, think it over carefully, and take the issue to prayer before you act.

1. Make sure the church leaders are on board

The program will fail without the support of your church leaders. Your Pastor can help you determine the goals and direction for the ministry. When you meet with your church leaders, find out what you will need to consult with them about, and what decisions you can make on your own. This will minimize stress and confusion for you and others.

2. Choose a leader for the Health and Wellness Ministry

Your health and wellness ministry leader should have the following qualities:

-Self-starter
-Organized
-Have a general understanding of health matters and community resources
-Able to commit to a long-term effort
-Understand God's plan of wellness for the body, mind, and spirit of his people
-Have a positive outlook and not easily offended

Sometimes your pastor may direct you to an associate minister or other member to answer questions you may have. This is probably not an indication of their level of interest in your work. Even if you have a small church, your pastor is probably still very busy.

Starting a new ministry is very difficult to do. There is a lot of work involved and everyone will not be as enthusiastic about it as you are. Some people will actually be negative but you have to keep in mind the reason you're doing the good work in the first place.

3. Develop a clear mission and vision statement

This is one of the most important things you must do. You should do this with the advice and/or approval of your pastor. Without a clear, focused, direction, you will end up just spinning your wheels. Also, if your ministry's mission is not in line with the church's mission and vision, your work will be in vain. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

4. Evaluate your resources: time, money, volunteers, & facilities

This is the second most important factor because it will determine the scope and direction of your ministry activities. Don't over commit your time or that of others. If you have a full-time job and a family, you will need to maintain balance in your time and energy spent. Having realistic goals and expectations is vital to your success. You can get a lot done with relatively little time and money if you're organized.

Remember to stay positive no matter what. Discouragement is one of the devil's most effective tools. After all, if he can get you to quit, his work will be a lot easier. In John 10:10, Jesus says that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy but He comes that we might have abundant life. Your ministry directly affects your church and community members' quality of life. Remember that when you start to feel discouraged and encourage yourself if you must!