New Year, New Beginnings: A Call to Health and Wellness in Body and Spirit

This verse invites us to see health and wellness as sacred responsibilities, integral to our discipleship and leadership. As we begin this year, let us explore how we can honor God through holistic care for ourselves and our congregations.

Caring for Body and Soul: A Wesleyan Perspective

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, understood the importance of holistic health. In his writings, particularly Primitive Physick, Wesley advocated for caring for the body as part of our spiritual journey. He believed physical health and spiritual well-being were interconnected, a principle deeply rooted in our Wesleyan tradition.

As leaders in the church, we are called to model this integration of body and soul. Our ability to serve effectively is directly linked to how we care for ourselves. By embracing a holistic approach to health, we reflect God’s desire for wholeness in all aspects of life.

Facing the Challenges of Leadership

Church leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities, leaving little time for personal wellness. Stress, burnout, and neglect of physical health are common struggles. Additionally, many congregations face limited resources to address health and wellness, compounding these challenges.

Yet, these obstacles also present opportunities. As leaders, we can inspire change by addressing these challenges head-on. By prioritizing wellness, we care for ourselves and create a culture where health is valued within our communities.

Holistic Wellness: Four Dimensions

A holistic approach to health considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and community wellness. Different wellness dimensions are defined by various groups, but these four represent a comprehensive framework for nurturing health in personal and congregational life. Here are examples of how each dimension may be nurtured:

• Physical Wellness: Encourage regular exercise, healthy eating, and routine medical check-ups. Consider hosting workshops on nutrition or offering health screenings at your church.
• Emotional Wellness: Create safe spaces for discussing mental health, reducing stigma within the church. Offer counseling referrals or mindfulness workshops.
• Spiritual Wellness:
  Foster spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or retreats. Start small groups that integrate wellness with discipleship.
• Community Wellness: Use your church as a hub for wellness initiatives, such as wellness fairs or support groups. Partner with local organizations to address health needs in your community.

By addressing these interconnected dimensions, churches can support their members in achieving a more balanced, holistic sense of health and well-being.

A Personal Example: Wellness Month in Action

At my former church, we designated January as Wellness Month every year to encourage holistic health for the entire congregation. The month included health screenings, fitness workshops, and wellness-focused worship services. We brought in experts such as a nutritionist for youth, a financial planner for financial health, and a pharmacist who organized a health fair to check vital signs like blood pressure and blood sugar.

These efforts impacted church members but also transformed my life. At the health fair, my screening results prompted me to visit my doctor, leading to the early detection and treatment of an illness. This experience deepened my appreciation for the church’s role in promoting health and wellness and inspired me to encourage other congregations to embrace similar initiatives.

Start Small, Dream Big

The new year is a time to reimagine how we approach health and wellness in our lives and ministries. Every step matters whether it’s a sermon series, a small group, or a wellness workshop. By prioritizing health, we honor God and create a stronger foundation for serving our congregations and communities.

Let this year be a time of renewal—of body, mind, and spirit. Together, let us embrace health and wellness as an act of discipleship, honoring the temple of the Holy Spirit within each of us.

Reflection and Discussion Questions

As you consider your role in fostering health and wellness, take time to reflect:

1. How might you model wellness as a church leader?
2. In what ways will your church promote health and wellness?
3. What steps might you take to address health challenges in our congregation and community

Additional Resources:

• “Promoting Health and Wholeness,” UMC.org
• Joseph Yoo, “How Does Faith Impact Your Wellness.” UMC.org
• “Practices for Spiritual Wellness.” UMC.org
• Motoe Yamada Foor, “Zumba and Discipleship: Finding Connections in Unexpected Places,” Discipleship Ministries
• For clergy, see resources under the “Health & Well-being” section on Wespath.

Ideas for Health and Wellness Activities

Inspired by my experience organizing Wellness Month at my former church, here are some ideas for encouraging health and wellness within your congregation:

• Worship Series: Plan a sermon series focused on wellness, such as Spiritual Medicine Cabinet, which emphasizes spiritual tools such as prayer and meditation. Another series could explore themes from books such as Momentum for Life Revised Edition: Biblical Practices for Sustaining Physical Health, Personal Integrity, and Strategic Focus by Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter, focusing on motivation and purpose.
• Health Screenings: Partner with a local pharmacist or health professional to host a health fair where attendees can check vital signs like blood sugar and blood pressure. Offer follow-up resources for anyone whose results indicate a need for medical attention.
• Spiritual Wellness: Organize prayer partners within your congregation to foster mutual encouragement and accountability. Create a small group focused on health from a spiritual perspective, integrating scripture and prayer with discussions on wellness. Offer support groups for specific health topics, such as chronic illness or caregiving, to provide a faith-based support network.
• Intergenerational Opportunities: Host family-friendly activities that encourage movement and wellness for all ages, fostering community and connection.
• Mental Health Awareness: Organize a mental health awareness workshop to reduce stigma and offer resources for those in need. Offer a safe space for people to share and learn.
• Physical Activity: Arrange fitness sessions like yoga or Zumba for adults and line dancing for older adults. Create sports activities for children, such as basketball clinics or other team-building exercises.
• Nutrition Education: Host a workshop with a nutritionist to educate youth and families about healthy eating habits. Provide simple, affordable meal plans or recipes that promote wellness.
• Financial Health: Invite a financial planner to offer a seminar on budgeting, saving, and managing debt as part of financial wellness.

These ideas promote holistic health and position the church as a community hub for wellness, offering valuable resources that extend beyond Sunday worship. By tailoring these suggestions to the needs of your congregation, you can make a lasting impact on their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Bible verses marked NIV are from the New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This content was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.