Health and Wellness Ministry Succeeds with Church and Family

By Rev. Reginald T. Jackson

The Mission statement of the St. Matthew AME Health Commission says it most clearly: “To render service to God through serving humanity, by educating and encouraging our congregation and community to honor their bodies as a Holy Temple, to inspire and influence individuals to practice healthy behaviors through daily routines.”

It is in the family where these healthy behaviors and daily routines are first learned and practiced. It is the parent who provides the first example of spiritual guidance, and likewise, it is the parent who provides early example of healthy behavior in daily life.

The health disparities of African Americans have been well documented. And it is certain the road to well being and prevention of disease is in being educated in healthy behaviors and adopting those lifestyle changes that will lead to well-being.

The St. Matthew A.M.E. Church is committed to providing updated health materials and information. The establishment of healthy practices must begin in the family. Each day the list grows of the illnesses that can be traced to poor nutritional choices, lack of exercise and engaging in risky health behaviors.

But family can be the source of strength and support in changing these choices and behaviors. It can be as simple as foregoing unhealthy snacks for a health bar; it can be as simple as taking a daily supplement to ensure that nutritional deficiencies are met; it can be as simple as a family dancing or walking regularly.

But it must be a commitment, and it is easier if it is a family-shared commitment. Eradicating health disparity is important to our social, economic and political empowerment. Health and wellness is key to our individual and collective future. God expects that we will honor our bodies as Holy Temples and it is incumbent on us to do His will.

Reginald T. Jackson, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Orange, NJ, is executive director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey, Chairman of the Board, NIDA, St. Matthew Community Development Corp., and a life member of the NAACP. He has been named repeatedly as one of the most influential people in the State of New Jersey.