Shape UP: Strategies for Health Awareness Through Preaching and Empowerment by Dr. Michael Thomas Scott, Sr. is a must read for Pastors, Preachers, Health Educators and Community Leaders of all churches and denominations. There is a tremendous need for health awareness through preaching within the African-American community because many African- Americans continue to make bad choices that often lead to disease and infirmity. Preaching has always been and always will be the catalyst to motivate people and the source of inspiration to inspire people to continue to move forward when their progress has been impeded or stopped because of some opposing opposition. Health Awareness Ministry is an application of the hands on approach. This insightful book is a practical resource tool for the implementation of an effective Health Awareness Ministry for the local church.

SHAPE UP

Strategies for Health Awareness through Preaching and EmpowermentBy Michael Thomas Scott, Sr.

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2010 Dr. Michael Thomas Scott, Sr.
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-0697-0

Contents

Abstract............................................................................viiAcknowledgements....................................................................ixDedication..........................................................................xiIntroduction........................................................................xiiiChapter 1. Ministry Focus...........................................................1Chapter 2. The State of the Art in This Ministry Model..............................23Chapter 3. Theoretical Foundation...................................................49Chapter 4. Methodology..............................................................97Chapter 5. Field Experience.........................................................103Chapter 6. Reflection, Summary, and Conclusion......................................111Appendix H Health Awareness Sermon #1 "He's A Keeper"...............................123Appendix I Health Awareness Sermon #2 "Under New Management"........................129Appendix J Health Awareness Sermon #3 "Dealing With Depression".....................135Bibliography........................................................................141

Chapter One

Ministry Focus

In a rapidly changing world of modern science, advanced technology, and the information age, many rural churches within America are drastically failing to face the many challenges of effective leadership within the 21st century. It is evident that the rural church, particularly within many African-American communities, is not equipped or prepared to provide the next level of ministry to a world in desperate and dire need of Divine direction and deliverance. As more individuals migrate from the inner cities and urban centers of society into the suburban and rural areas of the countryside, there is a tremendous ministry opportunity for the rural churches within these communities. It is extremely unfortunate that there is a lack of leadership, commitment, and understanding, in the areas of worship, educational ministries, technology, evangelism, community outreach and church growth within the rural ministry context. Preston Robert Washington, pastor of Harlem's Memorial Baptist Church, in his discussion on the renewal of the black church states that, "At the threshold of the twenty-first century, probably the most important question facing the pilgrim people called Afro-Americans is, Will the black church survive? This is not simply a rhetorical question; the church is the single most prominent and important institution in the black community. It is both terrifying and challenging to realize that as the church goes, so goes the community, the nation, and in large measure, the world." The African-American religious community is in need of restoration and renewal, particularly within the rural context of ministry, if effective transformation is to be brought about within the hearts and minds of the people.

Transformative Worship That Informs

One of the main challenges within the ministry focus of the rural church, is that a large portion of the congregants have lost sight of the true mission and primary purpose of the church: the worship of God through Christ. Transformative worship is an integral component to the concept of twenty-first century ministry and leadership. "One of the most important dimensions of the church's ministry is the experience of worship." With all of the challenges and obstacles that life in the twenty-first century will inevitably bring, people need to worship and experience a God that can and will empower them for leadership in every aspect of their personal lives. "The point of prophetic worship is to place people in touch with those transformative elements of meaning which give life new direction, purpose, vitality and strength." It is a sad commentary that many rural churches continue to practice worship methodologies that are ineffective in reaching the needs of people. There is a lack of holistic ministry within the worship experiences of many rural churches, which often results in a lack of commitment within the congregation and throughout the community. Effective outreach and community involvement is birthed as a result of a genuine love for and worship of God. "Churches often don't grow because their worship services are dry, lifeless, devoid of the passion and enthusiasm for the celebration of life that the Holy Spirit creates." If the rural church is going to do effective ministry in the twenty-first century, the congregants must be open to innovative ideas and approaches toward a worship encounter that addresses the needs of all people within the context, thus opening up the door for new possibilities in the area of community outreach. Dr. James H. Harris, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia addresses the issue of worship that will change, transform, touch lives, and provoke Christians to go forth and do something meaningful within the local community, the region, and even perhaps globally:

The task of worship in the black church is to be true to our heritage and to God. When I look around urban and rural areas, I see people hurting and in trouble. This suggests that preachers and laypersons have an awesome responsibility in trying to do the will of God. We have to construct public worship in a way that will help change society to what we believe God would have it to be.

The twenty-first century worship experience is an encounter that involves the total transformation of heart, mind, body, and soul through Gospel preaching, meaningful music ministry, authentic fellowship, and genuine praise.

Educational Ministries

The educational ministries within many rural churches can be viewed as destitute due to the lack of participation, planning, and proper preparation. There is a lack of teaching and training going on within the rural ministry, particularly within the African-American church. It doesn't matter how large or small the congregation, there is usually a vast difference in church attendance on Sunday morning services in comparison to Bible Study, pastoral teaching nights, prayer services, and leadership training classes. "Neither Christian education nor education in general is a priority for the majority in the church. We are a preaching-oriented people, who display a marked lack of support for serious Bible study, workshops, seminars, and general training in spiritual and liberation development." Rural ministry is not equipped for the twenty-first century, due to the fact that many churches invest in large and spacious sanctuaries and areas for preaching and worship, neglecting adequate space and facilities for teaching, training, fellowship, and recreation for all ages. "Christian education in the black church, however, is often lacking in structure and overall systematic goals. Because the church has traditionally been considered a worshipping institution, it has often failed to develop proper facilities for educational ministry." Many rural churches are attempting to do ministry with outdated equipment and inadequate facilities. Many rural churches are still using "outhouses" and others don't even have the benefit of hot running water for hand washing and sanitary purposes within the restrooms....