The Role and Influence of Faith Leaders on Health-Related Issues and Programs in their Congregation

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the influence of faith leaders on health-related issues within their congregation. Semi-structured interviewers with 24 faith leaders found that chronic conditions and poor health behaviors were the top health challenges facing their congregation. A majority mentioned health-related activities taking place at their church. Most believed they had influence on their congregation for issues related to health/wellness, most commonly in the form of increasing awareness. A majority talked about the importance of being a role model. It is important to understand how to most effectively capitalize on the strengths of and engage pastors in health promotion efforts.

Leading Their Flocks to Health? Clergy Health and the Role of Clergy in Faith-Based Health Promotion Interventions

“…A qualitative study examined how clergy influence health and health behaviors within their congregations, noting the importance of serving as a positive role model for congregation members. 49 Many of the clergy in this study also indicated that they have a great deal of influence over the types of activities offered in their FBO, although clergy were unsure how effective their influence was on impacting the health or health behaviors of congregants. Previous research has documented how an overarching supportive church environment is associated with improved diet 50 and physical activity 51 behaviors among African American church members; however, these findings are central to only one denomination and race.…”

The Role of Pastor Support in a Faith-Based Health Promotion Intervention

“…They often serve as gatekeepers and/or environmental change agents, and many report that they decide whether or not their church participates in health-related programs 12 . Many pastors believe that health promotion, in various capacities, is appropriate within their church 10,12–17 , with a number believing that they themselves play a role in such efforts. Further, characteristics and beliefs of pastors have been shown to be associated with health and wellness-related activities and practices at their church 12,18 .…”

The Health and Health Behaviors of a Sample of African American Pastors

“…high BMI), self ratings of health were quite positive. 7,19 Although a number of factors contribute to individuals’ health rating, 51 our findings suggest that pastors may not be aware of the negative state of their physical health, or perhaps they are aware, but do not feel it’s serious or of concern. Alternatively, it is possible that they view “health” more broadly to include emotional and spiritual health, and these aspects have considerably more influence when rating their health.…”

“…13–17 Many pastors believe they have influence and/or authority over their congregation in promoting health, 18,19 and some believe they serve as role models to their congregations when it comes to health-related issues. 19,20 However, pastors who do not practice healthy behaviors themselves may not feel comfortable in preaching what they do not practice 21 or may not want to change traditional practices in their church (e.g., serving high-fat foods at church events). Therefore the health behaviors and practices of pastors may hold significant influence in whether health promotion efforts are supported and/or promoted within the church environment.…”