An initiative of the North Carolina Council of Churches

Get Started

1.     Sign the PHW Endorsement Resolution.  By signing this document, you not only demonstrate your support for PHW and our mission, but you unite with other clergy from across the state who seek to improve the health of God’s people.  Please sign the PHW Endorsement Resolution today. 

2.     Identify a PHW Liaison.  Due to the demands of ministry and family life, you are strongly encouraged to identify one or more persons in your congregation to take the lead on health promotion and to remain in contact with PHW staff.  For tips on how to identify the best candidate(s) for this volunteer position, please see our guidelines regarding the qualities of an effective PHW liaison. 

3.     Participate in the PHW Certification Program.  Taking part in the PHW Certification Program is another important way to show your commitment to health and wholeness.  More specifically, you will learn creative ways to increase physical activity, improve nutrition and reduce tobacco use in your congregation and surrounding community.  To learn more about this program and/or to sign-up, please see our PHW Certification Program page.

4.     Attend a PHW Clergy Breakfast.  Clergy are invited to attend a PHW Clergy Breakfast to learn about the:

  • Spiritual relevance of healthy living
  • Current state of health in your county and surrounding areas
  • Health-related work of neighboring congregations
  • Resources available to you and your congregants through PHW

Please see our Clergy Breakfast page to learn more about the PHW Clergy Breakfast series and to locate one near you! 

5.     Promote health as a practice of our faith from the pulpit.  Clergy are regarded as moral leaders in the community and often inspire positive change in the lives of others.  For that reason, it is important for members of your congregation to both see and hear your commitment to health from the pulpit.   Please sign this pledge to preach one or more times a year on health or a health-related topic.  For ideas on how to incorporate health into your sermons, please see our worship resources. 

6.     Improve your own health.  The Clergy Health Initiative, a PHW health partner, has a variety of wellness materials for clergy.  Although this initiative, in its entirety, is designed for United Methodist clergy only, some of their online materials are available to clergy of any denomination.