A Study of Rural Church Health Promotion Environments: Leaders’ and Members’ Perspectives

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

“…Preliminary evidence suggests that the health, health behaviors, and health beliefs of faith leaders influence the church health environment (Bopp and Fallon 2011;Williams et al 2012). For example, Williams et al (2012) found a positive association between church leaders' beliefs regarding the appropriateness of talking about various health topics in sermons and their use of health messages in church (i.e., during sermons or in church bulletins/newsletters).…”

“…Preliminary evidence suggests that the health, health behaviors, and health beliefs of faith leaders influence the church health environment (Bopp and Fallon 2011;Williams et al 2012). For example, Williams et al (2012) found a positive association between church leaders' beliefs regarding the appropriateness of talking about various health topics in sermons and their use of health messages in church (i.e., during sermons or in church bulletins/newsletters). Bopp and Fallon (2011) found a positive association between the number of health and wellness activities offered within a faith-based organization and faith leaders' fruit and vegetable consumption, minutes of physical activity, and perceived health status, and a negative relationship with faith leaders' body mass index.…”

“…Although it is suggested that pastors have a strong influence over their congregants for many other life issues, and numerous faith-based health promotion interventions have successfully changed health behaviors (Campbell et al 2007a;Bopp et al 2012;Peterson et al 2002), the pastor's influence over health-related issues is not well studied or understood. Of the limited studies conducted, only a few have examined the pastor's influence on the health of the congregation from the pastor's perspective (Bopp and Fallon 2011;Williams et al 2012). Further, both of these studies were limited by examining the relationship of pastor characteristics to specific aspects of the church health environment (i.e., offering programs and providing health messages).…”

Assessing the Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Health Promotion

“…Some of them mentioned it directly from the pulpit; but, the CHLs were primarily responsible for making the congregation aware of MPower and encouraging them to maintain enrollment. The literature highlights the importance of pastoral involvement and how it is integral to the success of objectives (Harmon, Blake, Armstead, Hébert, 2013;Hippolyte et al, 2013;Williams et al, 2013;Newlin et al, 2012;De Marco et al, 2011;Austin & Claiborne, 2011;Williams, Glanz, Kegler & Davis, 2009;Ammerman et al, 2003;Markens et al, 2002;Taylor et al, 2000). The experiences of the negative case analysis were directly in line with the literature that suggests pastoral support is integral to successful programming in ecclesiastical establishments.…”

“…A frequently cited catalyst for success in faith-based health promotion is the importance of ministerial endorsement (Harmon, Blake, Armstead, Hébert, 2013;Hippolyte et al, 2013;Williams et al, 2013;Newlin et al, 2012;De Marco et al, 2011;Austin & Claiborne, 2011;Williams, Glanz, Kegler & Davis, 2009;Ammerman et al, 2003;Markens et al, 2002;Taylor et al, 2000). For example, Hippolyte et al(2013), focused on structural components that are integral to program implementation and maintenance within faith-based organizations; this includes but is not limited to the support of a lay leader, appropriate timing of intervention activities, and availability of meeting space.…”