Promoting A Healthy Lifestyle
Providing healthy Sunday morning fellowship refreshment might not win you any points with your congregation. In fact, the attendance might just dwindle. That would of course defeat the purpose of sharing refreshment when the members stay away because the food is ‘too healthy’.
Seriously though, I think they would still be there. However, this is one of those areas that some church leaders fail to help members to make the connection with their spirituality.
Promoting healthy eating practices in your church is consistent with teaching that we are the temple of the living God (2 Cor 6:16b). For us, this means we are to take care of ourselves, and our eating habits are not to be excluded from this consideration.
Linking Healthy Refreshment To Church Ministries
I’m proposing that this is one simple way that the church leadership could show commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle choices to its membership. You will be doing more than just preaching ‘lip service’ to the issue. You will now be making practical application of your message.
The relevance of whole health to the Healing Ministry of the church should not be missed. For it has been proven that what we eat affects our health. The healing ministry of the church is not simply about ‘casting out demons’ it is also about healing the sick. I am not suggesting that one light meal per Sunday will heal all the sick in your congregation. It is the principle of promoting healthy eating habits that will make the difference.
Encourage your Hospitality Ministry to get on board with this. There are always some talented women (and a few men) who should be able to share their culinary skills. This department can assist with providing creative recipes and innovative ways to prepare nutritious meals, that are healthy and yet not boring.
The principle also highlights a third thing. Refreshment could take on a whole new dimension. It could help Christians see that we are using the Arts in Worship. In this case, Culinary Arts. We are helping our members to make connections with all these other areas of their lives and their spirituality.
A Note On Special Dietary Needs
Think about your elderly (and not so elderly) members with high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Consider too your youth and children who are already eating too much junk food. None of these groups need more sweet artificial juices, sugar laden cupcakes or donuts. Do you still wonder why the kids won’t sit still in church? Too much sugar! Ok..it might just be the way too long and not too entertaining sermon. But that’s for another post.
All I’m saying now, is encourage the team responsible for refreshment to take their ministry to another level and see their ministry grow.
Recipes To Get You Inspired
There are many special places online where you can find healthy recipes. Finding stuff for persons with special needs can be tricky. Here is a suggestion to get you started.
Cindalou’s helps with delicious treats for persons who are allergic to dairy, gluten and more.
And feel free to post one in the comments section or send to me and I’ll post for you.
Marvia
