For the past eight years, The United Methodist Church has promoted and prioritized health and wholeness on a global scale. The Abundant Health Initiative of the General Board of Global Ministries is being organized in Michigan under the leadership of the Rev. Alex Plum.

KAY DEMOSS
Michigan Conference Communications

For many years, Michigan United Methodists have cared deeply for the health and welfare of their neighbors. Many around the state may remember contributing to the $1.7 million raised for Imagine No Malaria (INM). The last funds from INM will be disbursed this year.

The denomination’s Abundant Health for All Initiative grew out of the Imagine No Malaria campaign, when the 2016 General Conference voted to expand its global health reach beyond addressing a single disease. The General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) issued a report from the General Conference in Charlotte on April 29.

GBGM leaders noted, “Global Ministries is humbled and overjoyed to report that over the last five years, the lives of over 5 million women, youth, and children have been impacted! And it does not end here. The work continues through the care and commitment of partners.”

The Michigan Conference is about to become a more intentional partner in this effort. Abundant Health MI will be introduced at the 2024 Michigan Annual Conference as the newest member of The United Methodist Church’s Abundant Health Initiative. Local churches and ministries in the state will have the opportunity to become a part of this global network, working to nurture health, healing, and wholeness across mind, body, and spirit.

The Rev. Alex Plum, a member of the Conference Board of Global Ministries (CBGM), stands ready to serve as a resource person, bringing congregations and ministries together to share inspiration, ideas, and best practices. Plum says, “We will learn what’s already happening on the ground, identify what’s working well, and share lessons learned.”

Plum explains that the initial focus of Abundant Health MI is to increase awareness of the health-related programs already happening across the state. “CBGM will assist people in getting to know each other and becoming more familiar with other churches and individuals working to promote health.” He reports that there are churches, like Cass Community United Methodist Church in Detroit, that host a free clinic. Other congregations sponsor healthy eating programs and yoga programs. Through networking, these persons can offer others the steps on how to start similar ministries, “making their entry point easier.”

Abundant Health MI will bless laity and clergy alike. However, Plum states that recent studies have shown that “clergy are among the unhealthiest individuals.” He attributes this to the demands of the ministry — 24-7 availability, convenience of fast food, lack of time for rest or exercise, and high-stress situations. “The question,” says Plum, “is how can we all take steps as a conference to support one another to live our healthiest lives and live those lives in abundance.” He sees Abundant Health MI supporting and bolstering efforts toward clergy health that are already being made by the Board of Ordained Ministry, district superintendents, and the Office of Benefits and Human Resources.

“You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse,” Plum remarks. “Anyone who wants to invest in their own health and the health of the community is welcome.” He adds, “We can do this with just four people. Where there is a will, this network can make a way. If it is compelling, Abundant Health MI will spread among those who want to invest in it.”

Plum says the Abundant Health MI network could begin with short virtual meetings every month. An annual event, like an in-person health summit, would bring persons to the table to root their work in scripture and discover how their efforts are an extension of the healing work of Jesus Christ, the Great Healer. “I can’t do this alone,” Plum says. “If folks express a level of interest and need at Annual Conference, then I will convene a group to lay the groundwork of priorities and goals of Abundant Health MI.”

The effort reaches beyond our borders. Plum believes that Michigan United Methodists have things to learn about health from their global ministry partners. “This is bi-directional,” Plum asserts. “We give funds to improve the health of those outside the country. Those in Liberia and Haiti deliver health and wellness in very difficult circumstances. They can inspire us.”

Abundant Health MI will have a table at the Mission Festival at the upcoming 2024 Michigan Annual Conference on Thursday evening, May 30. In the meantime, interested people are encouraged to share their passion for ministries and services promoting health by completing a brief survey. Find the questionnaire by clicking this link or scanning the QR code below. Do you have questions? Alex Plum may be reached at [email protected].

Leaders of the worldwide Abundant Health for All initiative emphasize, “Global Health is not just another church program. It is the whole church seeking to live the abundant life God offers in Christ Jesus.” GBGM leaders at the 2024 General Conference look to the future with hope and this invitation: “You can continue to be part of this great movement by seeing holistic health as your own mission to the community, by incorporating healthy living in your congregations and annual conferences, by supporting the denomination’s Global Health work, and by praying that all may know God’s healing grace.”

The Michigan Conference is accepting that invitation. Plum concludes, “General Conference provides us a Kairos moment. As we stand on the threshold of a new and revitalized church, we need to walk across that threshold to take God’s grace, love, and healing into our communities and local churches.”

The Rev. Alex Plum is an ordained deacon serving as the Executive Director of Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti, MI.

Last Updated on May 13, 2024