Through the centuries, churches have promoted health and wholeness through caring ministries. Hospitals have been built and operated by churches. There is evidence that a health care ministry in the local church is biblical founded. The ministry of Jesus was one of physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

This project developed a model for educating laity who are health care professionals in a theology of ministry which gives them the opportunity of using their gifts and talents in a health care ministry in the local church.

The project director worked with an advisory committee in developing a plan to determine the need for and probable success of a health care ministry for the First Baptist Church of Statesville, NC. The plan included investigation of existing programs and materials which provide education for health care professionals to serve in congregational health care ministries. The project director and committee also interviewed pastors, church staff members, and professional health care persons who are currently conducting health care programs in the local church.

The project includes a training program developed by the project director and committee to train professional health care workers who participate in the project. The training program includes biblical, theological and historical criterion for the involvement of the laity in areas of healing and concern for the health and wholeness of the individual.

The project includes seminars on nutrition and the preparation and use of prescription drugs in health care. Clinics were conducted for screening for hypertension, diabetes, colon cancer and cholesterol levels. A blood mobile visit by the American Red Cross was also included. Exercise is an important factor in prevention and control of disease. An exercise program was developed and included in the project.

This project report should help a church interested in a health care ministry to determine if such a program could be a significant area of ministry for health care professionals in the church. The report also gives the structure for clinical procedures and scheduling of health care professionals for their ministry. The project indicates that the need for a simple health care ministry can be met by the church.