People will be sharing healthy-congregation ideas left and right. It’s the second annual Healthy Bodies Healthy Spirits conference on October 15 at West Virginia Wesleyan. In one year, the network has grown to 1,700 men and women of faith who want to help knock West Virginia off the top of the worst health lists. The steering committee includes representatives of seven denominations and organizations. They are just getting started.
Folks are coming from every corner of the state. The conference is privileged to have nationally known pastor, Steve Reynolds, author of “Bod for God” and creator of the church weight-loss program, “Losing to Live” as the keynote speaker. His personal story of a growing ministry and growing waistline will inspire anybody who wonders what healthy bodies have to do with the church.
“When I read his personal story, I knew it was a great fit for our conference,” said Healthy Bodies Healthy Spirits coordinator Joshua Sowards. Reynolds will give away a free copy of “The Healthy Renegade Pastor” to all pastors or attendees for their pastor.
Network members will share stories about ways their church or faith-based organization works toward healthy living. Try This West Virginia (www.trythiswv.com), the healthy living group that is “incubating” Healthy Bodies Healthy Spirits will share their extensive resources, networking opportunities and funding opportunities with conference attendees. “When the churches get involved, communities get involved, and we have a real chance to make a difference in this state,” said Try This Co-director Kate Long.
Interested parties can register online at www.hbhs2016.eventbrite.com.
Conference admission covers four healthy living workshops: Starting a Health Ministry Team, Healthy Cooking, Chronic Disease Self-management and the Daniel Plan, and Substance Abuse Prevention for Teens. A healthy lunch and snacks are also included.
