Health resources for winter, 2008.

And the health ministry survey says!
A 2007 survey of more than 6,000 congregations revealed they spend a significant amount of time, energy, and money in health ministries. As the number of uninsured Americans grows, congregations are filling some health care gaps. Read the survey.


Make a good pastoral call
In this recent article in the Conservative Mennonite Conference publication, Pastor Mel Shetler offers guidelines on making effective pastoral calls to those who are sick or facing crisis. Read the article.

Engage your church
“Health, Healing and Wholeness,” is a book that looks at how to start a health ministry by engaging your church first. Find it in the MMA bookstore.

Catholic perspective
Emphasizing the high priority Jesus put on healing the sick, Catholic institutions produce many materials on pastoral care of those who are ill. Read one bishop’s perspective of this Catholic theology.

MMA resources

Stewardship Sunday worship materials
Focus on Jesus the Healer, a stewardship of health theme to inspire your congregation with his care and comfort. Download this .pdf.

Stories of real people caring for their health
“Faithful Stewardship,” a four-session DVD curriculum, shares stories of people who learned to care for God’s gift of health. It discusses how to care for health, to use health care resources mindfully, and to recognize how personal health decisions affect communities. Find it online.

Body Talk debuts
More than a how-to guide to improving health, Body Talk encourages readers to practice stewardship of their health. Designed for group discussion, the study book challenges people to listen not only to medical experts, but also to God and the Holy Spirit’s voice. Order it now.

How-to guide on health ministry
Need some ideas to jump start your health ministry? Brainstorm your way through a new free “how-to” guide to help your congregation start or revise a health ministry for your members or community. Read more on the topic.

MMA blog on congregational health issues
Many people struggle to hang on to or get started with a ministry of health and healing in their congregation. Visit MMA’s blog, “Healthy Bodies, Grateful Hearts,” to find nourishment, strength, and connections you need to create or maintain a successful health ministry. Join the conversation.

Have a health goal to reach?
Partnering for wellness is a new guide to help you join with a partner to encourage each other toward healthier lives through mutual accountability. Download the .pdf.

Time with professionals
Plunge into health care and faith issues by spending time with professionals from many health institutions at the Mennonite Health Assembly, March 27 to 30, St. Louis, Mo. The theme, “Community of Healing and Hope,” headlines this assembly co-sponsored by Mennonite Health Services and MMA. Find out more.