Leading their flocks to health? Clergy health and the role of clergy in faith-based health promotion interventions.

ABSTRACT

Faith-based organizations are a frequent partner in health promotion due to their large and expansive reach across multiple demographics of the United States. These faith-based organizations are led by clergy members who have a strong influence over their institutions and who shape the physical and social environments of their institutions for health-related matters. The purpose of this review was to examine current issues associated with the health, behaviors, and well-being of clergy, highlight the literature on the role clergy play in delivering effective health promotion interventions, and present recommendations for improving clergy health and the involvement of clergy in faith-based initiatives.