Rationale for Congregational Health Ministry

During a health crisis or time of need, the congregation is frequently the first place people go to look for help, encouragement, and support. Support can take many forms. It can be in the form of prayer, meals, transportation, counseling, care giving, oblation funds, laying on of hands, compassionate listening, education about the illness, and more.

Congregational Health Ministry (CHM) is about utilizing the resources within the congregation and in the community to help meet the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, and communal needs of those hurting or in crisis. The program works with the priesthood and the leadership within the congregation to ensure spiritual needs are met. It works with other compassionate ministries to make sure emotional and physical needs are met. CHM may also seek to include all in the fellowship by identifying barriers that exclude persons from the life of the congregation and helping to bridge those gaps.

HMA provides educational materials so others can learn about and seek to prevent illness and create wellness. The Association provides materials and contacts with expertise for creating a Congregational Health Ministry. Through "association" a network of compassionate, intelligent support develops.