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A ministry to ministers/wives not having the opportunity of obtaining a health screening and/or physical.

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There is a growing awareness of the need for good health and wellness across America. We are realizing through the vast amount of information and resources available that we can have better health through prevention and intervention. From exerting pressure toward healthier menus at fast food restaurants to having a healthier diet, “prevention is worth an ounce of cure.”

The Georgia Baptist Convention has extended a ministry focus on Healthy Kingdom Churches by developing a diagnostic tool for surfacing weak or unhealthy areas in our churches and helping with a “prescribed” treatment to evolve into Healthy Kingdom Churches. Along this same focus, the Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention began looking at what we can do to encourage our ministers and their families into a healthier lifestyle. Diagnostics, through health screenings and complete physicals, is the first step.

Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of Georgia Baptist ministers and their wives that do not have health care coverage or will not be able to use their insurance for a yearly health screening and physical. The Georgia Baptist Convention and The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, through Church-Minister Relations, are inviting these ministers and their wives that do not have the benefit of a free health screening and/or physical to come to one of the planned Wellness Retreats at either Toccoa Conference Center, Sept. 17-18, 2007 or Norman Park Conference Center, October 8-9, 2007.

The qualified staff of OHR/Medical Dimensions has agreed to provide on-site health screenings that will include: a hands-on physical examination; a brief physician consultation and written report; complete blood /urine profile; a resting electrocardiogram; hearing test; PSA; body composition analysis; and a medical history and lifestyle inventory for ministers/wives that do not have this in their benefits package. All confidential data and reports will be mailed to the ministers.

Dr. J. Robert White, executive director, Georgia Baptist Convention concurs that “Pastors and their wives need a time to get away for the purpose of worship, recreation, and fellowship. The Wellness Retreat being provided through Church-Minister Relations is providing for this need in a great way. The added benefit of providing health screening for ministers and their wives will be a real blessing to all who participate. I am very grateful for Rev. Danny Watters, who serves as specialist in Church-Minister Relations, and all of those who serve with him in providing such an outstanding ministry to our ministers and wives across Georgia.

“The Georgia Baptist Convention is a unique state convention in that we have the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, which provides resources for the various health care ministries across our state,” said White. “I appreciate Frank Upchurch, who serves as president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, for his involvement in providing support for the Wellness Retreats at Toccoa Conference Center and Norman Park Conference Center.”

J. Gerald Harris, editor of The Index, agrees with White.

“The wellness retreat provided through Church-Minister Relations and the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation is a terrific idea because it reminds us that our bodies are the temples of God, provides the opportunity for a health evaluation, and sets the stage for an ongoing health awareness that will add years to our lives and life to our years. I believe God wants His servants to have energy and stamina and remain in His service for as long as possible,” he said.

To register for the retreat, please call Toccoa Conference Center at (706) 886-3133 or Norman Park Conference Center (229) 769-3011 to secure accommodations. If you have any other questions please call Church-Minister Relations at (770) 946-5364.