Life & Wellness

Life and wellness are a mindful integration among spirit, mind, and body among person, family, and community. We become more spiritually well when we nurture our relationship with God through worship and prayer, and with others through fellowship and service. Wellness ministries seek to integrate a congregational emphasis also on the body. Wellness happens within relationships — with God, self, family members, fellow church members, and others. Wellness ministries engages the entire community. Personal wellness and self-care inspire commitment to healthy families and healthy communities.
 

Presbyterian Mental Health Initiative
In 2018, a churchwide mental health initiative was adopted by the 223rd General Assembly. It called for:

1. a new grant program
2. a new churchwide mental health network
3. a churchwide survey of mental health ministry
4. review and update of Comfort My People: A Policy Paper on Serious Mental Illness (2008)
5. a report with follow-up recommendations to the 2020 General Assembly

In February 2020, the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board voted unanimously to forward the resulting report: On Furthering Mental Health Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA), to the 224th General Assembly (now deferred to 2022). The grant program and Associate for Mental Health Ministry staff position have been extended into 2021/2022.

Presbyterian Mental Health Network (PHMN) was established by the PC(USA) at the 223rd General Assembly (2018) to work with the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) on Mental Health. You can read more about that partnership here. While the network maintains some independence, PHMN collaborates heavily with the Presbyterian Mission Agency.