The Seventh-day Adventist Church in South America is strengthening its emphasis on holistic health ministry through initiatives that combine physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Church leaders say the Health Department continues to promote a Bible-based approach to health, encouraging healthy lifestyles while connecting health ministry with the Church’s broader mission.

“The department was established to help the church live out and share a holistic, Bible-based, Christ-centered, mission-oriented health message,” said Carlos Gill, Health Ministries director for the South American Division.

Gill explained that the Church’s understanding of health is rooted in biblical principles and includes care for the whole person.

“We don’t just work to promote healthy habits, but also to reveal God’s care for the whole person: body, mind, emotions, relationships, and spiritual life,” he said.

Focus on emotional and mental health

Leaders also emphasized the growing importance of emotional and mental health, particularly in the post-pandemic context.

“These issues are not addressed in isolation, but are integrated into health promotion actions, recognizing the relationship between lifestyle, social bonds, spirituality, sense of purpose, and emotional aspects,” said Lanny Cristina Burlandy Soares, newly appointed assistant director of the Health Department for South America.

Soares, who holds advanced degrees in Medical Sciences and Biological Sciences, has been involved in teaching and health promotion through conferences and training initiatives.

Expanding the Life and Health Club initiative

One of the department’s key initiatives is the Life and Health Club program, currently active in hundreds of churches throughout South America. Leaders hope to expand the initiative to every church district across the territory.

“The Life and Health Clubs represent, within the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a practical expression of the integration of science, faith, and holistic care,” Soares said.

According to Gill, local churches can establish clubs by bringing together members and health professionals to organize activities such as walking groups, healthy cooking initiatives, and wellness programs.

Church leaders noted that, beyond physical benefits, the clubs also encourage social connection and community support, helping participants build healthier habits together.

Health ministry and mission

Leaders emphasized that health ministry is intended to serve as both a practical service and a pathway for spiritual outreach.

Gill said caring for physical and emotional well-being can help create opportunities to share hope and faith within communities.

The updates were presented during the South American Division’s Plenary Board Meeting, which brings together delegates from eight countries to review initiatives and approve projects related to the Church’s mission across the region.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.