Covenant News

New Book Focuses on 'Ministries of Health'

CHICAGO, IL (May 17, 2005) - When churches consider starting health ministries, they often limit themselves to employing a parish nurse or operating a local clinic. As a result, many churches may miss opportunities that would benefit themselves and their communities.

Mary Chase-Ziolek, director of the Center for Faith and Health and associate professor of health ministries at North Park Theological Seminary, hopes her new book will help churches to think outside the box as well as more deliberately when they consider starting a ministry.

In her newly released book Health, Healing and Wholeness, Chase-Ziolek says thinking in terms of "ministries of health" instead of health ministries can expand possibilities for congregations. "The most common ministry of health is parish nursing, but it is not the only one," she points out.

Chase-Ziolek has a doctorate in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago and has worked with many diverse congregations across the country in establishing ministries of health. Churches considering starting a ministry of health need to think what ministry best fits within the context of the individual congregation, she says. What works in one church may not work in another.

Some congregations may be interested in helping individuals while others may see health as a justice issue. Each church would structure its ministry differently. Chase-Ziolek notes that ministries as varied as sports or small groups contribute to the health of people in different ways. How churches define health also will impact the ministries they decide to provide.

To guide churches in their process, Chase-Ziolek has written the book so that it can be used by a leadership team, small groups or Sunday school classes. At the end of each chapter are practical questions to be considered. "The book is very user friendly," she says. "It takes you step by step in laying the groundwork."

Chase-Ziolek also wants churches to view ministries of health beyond their own members. "The time is ripe to use the inherent strengths of congregations and build on their core values to improve the health of communities as well," she says. Helping improve educational opportunities, for example, contributes to health.

The book is the result of several years of teaching at the seminary about ministries of health. The class has been used by students to start ministries in their own churches.

She will teach an online course on engaging congregations in ministries of health beginning August 29. Persons interested can or get more information by calling seminary admissions at 800-964-0101.

To purchase the book online, visit the online Covenant Bookstore website by visiting the Covenant home page at www.covchurch.org or by using this special link, Covenant Bookstore.    

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