Sign up now by contacting the GHI Coordinator, Denise Nelson 1-605-575-1695. Programs began January 2006.
Body & Soul currently has 37 churches involved in the Body & Soul program at various levels of committment. Messiah New Hope is piloting a program for Healthy Community Meals on Wednesday nights.Watch for success stories as this church undertakes the important mission of bringing healthy meals to the congregation.
All members of the church have a responsibility to care for their bodies as temples of God. Healthy minds and spirits need healthy bodies, healthy diets, regular physical activities and preventive medical care.
The Growing Healthy Initiative within the church wants to inspire church leaders and congregation members to adopt nutritious food practices-especially, eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Church Growing Healthy Coordinator Responsibilities include:
The Four Steps of Body & Soul
A Body & Soul program is made up of four steps. All four steps must be in place to build an effective Body & Soul Program. Click on the links to get more information.
1. A pastor who is committed and involved
As the church's spiritual and organizational leader, the pastor's support of the program is vital. The more actively involved the pastor is, the better.
2. Church Activities that promote healthy eating and physical activity
Church gathering and workshops teach both information and skills that encourage a healthy diet. A Body & Soul Planning Team plans and carries out the program's activities.
3. A church environment that promotes healthy eating and physical activity
It ís important to surround the congregation with healthy choices at meals and other church functions. This shows church members how simple it is to make eating more fruits and vegetables part of their daily lives.
4. Peer counseling that motivates church members to eat a healthy diet and
be physically active
One-on-one support and group support helps church members take more control over their health.