Pastors’ Influence on Research-based Health Programs in Church Settings

Authors

Shirley M. Timmons, Clemson University

Keywords

African Americans; Church; Church – Authority; Health education – Religious aspects – Christianity; Health programs; Health promotion; Health promotion partnerships; Medicine – Religious aspects; Pastors; Religious leaders Research; Southern States

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Family, Life Course, and Society | Medicine and Health | Practical Theology | Public Health | Religion

Abstract

Churches, in the United States, are recognized essential players in addressing our mounting health and social service needs. Yet, even though they implement a relatively large number of programs, few are research-based. Focus groups were conducted with pastors from 11 Baptist churches in a small Southeastern town to explore factors that influence the implementation of research-based health programs. Transcripts were coded for domains resulting in four themes: congregant needs, shared programming ethics, common understanding of programming processes, and care for the church and congregation. Pastors value research and seek church-based programs that enhance the health of congregants. Yet, future study must focus on how to create and maintain strong formal networks that help them to meet this goal.

Recommended Citation

Timmons, Shirley M. (2009) "Pastors’ Influence on Research-based Health Programs in Church Settings," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol3/iss2/8