Be sure to get the pastor’s support up front. As the leader of the church, the pastor’s support sends a clear message to the congregation. It shows that the program is in keeping with the mission of the church. And it helps church members see the link between physical health and spiritual well being.
THE PASTOR CAN:
THE PASTOR CAN:
- Launch the Body & Soul program at a kick-off event. Sign “The Church’s Commitment to Good Health” pledge. Affirm the pledge before the congregation. A sample pledge is available for download within the Body & Soul Program Guide. Click here to download the pledge (PDF*: 16 kb).
- Be a role model for the congregation by eating more fruits and vegetables every day.
- Deliver inspirational messages about the link between good health and spirituality. Include Bible verses that refer to healthy eating and living in sermons, church bulletins, and newsletters.
- Ask that more fruits and vegetables be served at church functions to help create a healthy church setting.
- Start a “Body & Soul Sunday” where the church focuses on health once a month.
- Recognize the Body & Soul Planning Team.
- Praise the church members who have improved their eating habits.
The first step in starting Body & Soul is getting the pastor’s blessing for the program. Plan how the pastor will be involved. Confirm activities early because pastors’ schedules fill up quickly. The pastor should appoint the Program Coordinator. He or she may also make suggestions about who should be on the Planning Team. The more the pastor is involved the better.