Connections
The Connection between Faith and Health
The three squares shown below illustrate the interconnection between the physical, mental-emotional and spiritual aspects of life. At the center, are the mental, emotional and spiritual factors (Root Causes) of disease which in turn affect our health behavior choices (Contributing Factors), which ultimately contribute to poor health and disease (Leading Causes of Death).
Understanding how these elements interact is foundational to whole person health and the work of health ministry.
Since the Root Causes are at the core of our degree of health or disease, the role of spiritual and emotional health is significant. Pastors and congregational leaders work on a daily basis to address many of these Root Causes. Crisis and various support ministries seek directly to meet these needs. But in addition to these ministries, we have a responsibility to empower the members to become whole using personal stewardship principles to care for their bodies, their minds and their emotions.
Hospitals and congregations can work together to achieve this noble endeavor. Health care facilities have professionals who can help support the congregation through classes that provide information for awareness and lifestyle change, but it is the foundational spiritual element at the local congregation that makes these efforts successful.
