The Wellness Ministry foster ministries in congregations that encourage holistic health: physical, spiritual and mental. Recently this group has:

2007 Health Promotion Sunday Theme to Focus on Wellness
Church leaders across denominational boundaries are lifting up the need for healthier clergy and congregation members. One pastor and physician noted that in many cases the least healthy meals we eat may be at our churches! ABC will have many worship and congregational resources for Health Promotion Sunday on May 20. The following on-line resources will be available here by March 1.


Posted a worship plan around the theme of wellness created by Kelly Burk and Todd Reisch for the Richmond (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. The worship plan includes all materials used during this special worship focus including sermons and children's story.


Developed the Lighten Up, Brethren! program to encourage Church of the Brethren members to adopt healthy living and behaviors for wellness in body, mind and spirit.


Advocated for action on several health-related issues. Advocacy included disseminating information to all congregations about Cover the Uninsured Week, Cover Kids and Families, National Children’s Sunday, National Donor Sabbath and World AIDS Day. For more information on these special advocacy emphases, see the Advocacy section of this report.


Provided resources for the Health Promotion Sunday Packet on Creating Healthy Faith Communities. This packet provided information on consensus decision-making, conflict resolution, parish nursing and small groups.


Sponsored several mutual help groups at Annual Conference dealing with cancer, chronic illness, and families of children with ADD/ADHD.


Developed a series of End-of-Life Study Guides to help families and provide churches with study materials that assist with end-of-life decision making. These resources are available through Brethren Press.


Created several books about Lafiya, a whole-person health approach for congregations. The Lafiya Guide and the Lafiya Carebook used elements of parish nursing for health concerns and small groups to cope with daily life issues. All elements were steeped in Christian faith perspective. These Lafiya resources are available from Brethren Press.


Contributed articles to a department page in Caregiving dedicated to whole-person health issues. Recent articles have focused on a push for more exercise and changes in eating patterns, seeking wellness during times illness and preparing for end of life.