Health clergy conference

Today, clergy and lay leadership from area churches will gather to discuss the connection between spiritual and physical health.

Organizers of Healthier Clergy Leading Healthier Congregations plan to equip religious leaders with information, program ideas and even a training DVD. Dr. Scott Morris is the founder of the Church Health Center, a faith-based clinic in Memphis. He says that 20 years ago, religious leaders were among the top 5 percent of the most healthy people. Now they are in the bottom 5 percent.

Morris says religious leaders should be leading the way with healthy living, not bring up the rear. “The least healthy meal you eat every week is at your church. Now it shouldn’t be that way. The church ought to lead the way, not bring up the rear. If a church has to have fried chicken in order to draw a crowd, there’s something wrong with our message.”

In addition to promoting general health, the conference will address ways congregations can support members during times of illness. The group has held similar conferences in Memphis for the past six years. The free event begins this morning 8:00 on the Belmont University campus.