Health promotion in megachurches: an untapped resource with megareach?

INTRODUCTION. In the United States, megachurches (churches with 2,000+ attendance) represent a community institution with extensive reach within the population. Despite this potential for reach, the current health promotion practices of megachurches are unknown. This study aimed to document current health promotion activities and resources for health promotion in megachurches.

Staff at megachurches were recruited to take an online survey of health promotion programs, health promotion-related beliefs, barriers, and existing resources.

Respondents (n = 110 churches) indicated that churches were primarily Baptist (23.6%) or nondenominational (21.1%), had 2,500 to 4,999 congregation members (44.5%), primarily White congregation members (83.5%), and 31 to 60 employees (45.4%). Churches reported 4.73 ± 2.54 activities/year, most commonly reporting clubs or teams related to physical activity (74.5%), hands-on classes (65.5%), and educational activities (59.1%). Most churches (39.1%) reported their primary faith leader was minimally involved in health-related activities. The most common barrier was competition for time/space with other church activities (46.2%). Churches reported several employee health-related policies. Respondents reported a budget of $0 to $499/year for health-related programs (44.4%).

These findings provide insight regarding the current status of health promotion in megachurches. These large churches are a potential health promotion partner for researchers and practitioners for developing culturally tailored interventions.