Often when thinking of health, many refer to bodily health. The number of diagnoses, the condition of the body, and the potential of getting sick. However, how often is health considered concerning overall wellness, including mental, emotional, and spiritual health? Perhaps the very essence of health or being healthy can be based on the premise of holistic wellness. One way to evaluate this possibility is to consider the Scripture and scriptural basis of wellness in general.
Scripture speaks to health and wellbeing in many ways and relates explicitly to both spiritual and physical health. Thus, consideration of Scripture and its relation to the ministry’s development is paramount. In addition, as reflected by doctoral work, when considering the relationship between spiritual and physical health, acknowledging a faith connection is critical. For instance, Scripture points to one being complete (having wholeness), as indicated by 3 John 1:2: Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. This Scripture supports a holistic approach to caring for individuals in the ministry context.[1]
Further, Scripture also points to love as the driving force for caring for one another and prioritizing this care. Scripture also speaks to the power of love as the trajectory to providing healthy experiences. Consider the passages Matthew 22:37-39 and Mark 12:29-31; both Gospel accounts speak to the greatest commandments’ importance. In Matthew, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Also considered was Mark’s account, which says, “The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Both passages speak to love for God and humanity, which also supports wellness support in the ministry context to help individuals face and overcome traumatic experiences and spiritual and physical wellness in general.
Therefore, in light of understanding what it means to be well and the enlightenment provided by Scripture pointing to holistic wellness, there is much to consider, particularly in addressing trauma and related issues. First, considering that individuals and families’ potential to experience trauma, particularly in Black communities, continues to be high for various reasons, there is more to acknowledge. For instance, experiences with a high prevalence of a disease, family history of crisis, racism, violence, and grief, these communities can significantly benefit from more specifically aimed support, particularly in the ministry context. However, another consideration is how many other communities are growing in and dealing with disease, crisis, including drugs, and grief. Additionally, considering the ongoing pandemic, many may also be experiencing isolation, loneliness, and suffering that may impact the ability to experience wellness. Due to the pandemic, there may also be some level of distress resulting from limitations or inability to gather as traditionally done in the church. Many miss this personal connection and have difficulty adjusting to the virtual world, which could leave one potentially feeling alienated from reality, traditions, practices, and relations they are accustomed to, and thus could be somewhat traumatic.
The above considerations suggest the value of a wellness support ministry that may provide space for connection, discussion, and stimulation of awareness of one’s physical and spiritual wellbeing. To start, promoting awareness of achieving a state of wellness in general further alerts any health barriers, including trauma. Once identifying the state of unwellness, possibly related to trauma, conversations will potentially move to action. The efficiency of such discussions, however, depends on participants’ willingness to discuss their concerns openly. So, establishing a relationship of trust from the beginning is vital. Therefore, the strategic planning process of a wellness support ministry is to include elements for fundamental design and practicality that are informative, warm, and embracing in its outreach and continued interaction.
Understanding and embracing wellness introduces the thought that wellness may mean many things to many people. Therefore, it is critical to stimulate dialogue about how some associate wellness only with health and physical issues and how approaching it more holistically could be more effective in achieving overall wellbeing. Consideration of various experiences and stories stimulates further reflection and relevant discussion. Health and wellbeing for all individuals incorporate mental and emotional wellness. Thus, considering this point, with a Scriprutral perspective, we can all take a fresh look at our current wellbeing approach, determining what wellness means to each of us personally. This approach can potentially be invigorating to individuals and families of all cultures and backgrounds to relate and make a personal investment in the needed work related to better understanding what it means to be well and further gaining the ability to speak this meaning to themselves and others. Yet, to further expand the conversation, is this an approach that some deem reasonable to take in these unprecedented times?
[1] Paul Malkemes. Interview with Vivian Stephens-Hicks. Personal Interview. Boston, November 17, 2020.