When people are asked about their health, most think only of the physical aspect. Due to its multiple facets, however, the term health requires a much broader definition. We must consider not only physical health, but also emotional, spiritual, social, and financial health.

These five dimensions form the cornerstone of a denomination-wide effort to promote health and self-care for all Church workers through the Center for Health.

Oklahoma is one of two annual conferences participating in a pilot project, called Fit to Lead, according to Jim Jones. He chairs the Conference Wellness Committee and is pastor at Enid-Christ UMC.

The 25-minute Fit to Lead assessment delivers a report to the participant, summarizing the person’s overall wellness and highlighting areas for improvement. All information is confidential.

This online tool is designed to help users understand their personal physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial wellness. The assessment is also being piloted at three United Methodist seminaries: Garrett-Evangelical, Drew, and United Theological.

"The focus is to help us be as fit and whole as we can to best serve the Church and our Lord," stated Rev. Jones.

Approximately 25 active clergy members across diverse demographic categories (age, gender, and years of service) are participating in the Oklahoma pilot. Participants provide feedback about their experiences. At the conclusion of the interviews, a summary report will be provided to the two conferences.

The information collected will help refine the Fit to Lead assessment, making it more useful for clergy—as they explore their personal health status in all its dimensions. The aggregate data also will help Church leadership (bishops, cabinets, and other leaders) determine how to measure health risks, support healthy lifestyles for clergy and, consequently, ensure the health of the Church.

After integrating the modifications, the Center for Health intends to roll out the Fit to Lead assessment for all conferences.

The long-term goal is to change collective behavior, in support of the mission to improve the health of active and retired Church workers. Under the auspices of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, the Center for Health also is the umbrella for activities that track and monitor health data across annual conferences.

To create lasting behavior change, we must be aware of the impact of neglecting self-care, said Anne Borish, research and information manager for the general board. We also must talk about the health issues we all face, and share information to find or develop solutions.

She noted states of health, whether good or poor, impact all of us individually and in connection—with our families, congregations, communities, and the Church itself.

For more information about the Center for Health or the Fit to Lead assessment, visit http://www.gbophb.org/health_welfare/centerforhealth.asp.