Congregations and Community Health Ministry
What Are Community Health Teams (CHTs)?
Community Health Teams are health system based teams who bring together healthcare providers, public health professionals, social service agencies, and community organizations
with the goal of addressing both medical and non-medical needs—like housing, food
security, mental health, and transportation and then improving the health and well-being of the community.
Health systems often serve as the lead coordinator of efforts across sectors to ensure
resources are used effectively and that community needs are met in a unified way.
What Is a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)?
A CHNA is a formal process that hospitals and health systems conduct every 3 years (as required by the ACA for non-profit hospitals to maximize their efforts). It involves:
Collecting data on health outcomes, social determinants, and community needs.
Identifying top health needs (e.g., diabetes, mental health, substance use).
Creating an plan to address those needs in partnership with community organizations.
These assessments are public documents and are a great entry point for understanding your community’s most pressing needs.
Why This Matters for Congregations
Many congregations already serve their communities through food pantries, clothing drives, or youth programs. However, these efforts can have more impactful when aligned with broader community strategies. By connecting with CHTs and CHNA priorities, pastors can:
Amplify their mission by joining larger, coordinated efforts.
Discover resources and partnerships they may not have known existed.
Ensure their ministries are meeting identified needs in the community.
How-To Guide: Connecting with Your Local Health System
Step 1: Find the CHNA
Search online: “Your Hospital Name + Community Health Needs Assessment.”
Read the report to understand the top health priorities in your area.
Step 2: Identify the Right Contact
Look for titles such as:
Director of Community Health
Community Benefit Coordinator
Director of Mission or Faith-Based Partnerships (in faith-based systems)
If unsure, call the hospital’s main number and ask for the department that handles “community health outreach” or “community benefit.”
Step 3: Send an Introductory Email
Here’s a sample email pastors can use:
Subject: Exploring Partnership Opportunities
Dear [Name or Community Health Team],
My name is Rev. [Your Name], and I serve as pastor of [Church Name] in
[City/Neighborhood]. Our congregation is deeply committed to serving our community, and we are eager to align our efforts with broader initiatives that address real and pressing needs.
I recently reviewed your Community Health Needs Assessment and was encouraged by the work your team is doing. I would love to explore how our church might support or collaborate with your efforts—whether through outreach, education, or volunteer support.
Would you be open to a brief meeting or call to discuss potential opportunities?
Thank you for your leadership in our community. I look forward to connecting.
Grace and peace,
[Your Full Name]
Step 4: Collaborate
Once connected:
Attend community health coalition meetings (often open to the public).
Offer your church as a site for health screenings, education sessions, or support groups.
Share CHNA priorities with your congregation and align ministries accordingly.
Build relationships with other community partners through the health system’s
network.
How MACBF can help
The Mission Team is willing to collaborate with MACBF congregations to assist in
making initial contacts with your local health system’s community health team.
MACBF has a contact with a regional community health director who will assist an interested congregation in identifying their local community health system partner and connecting with them.
Reach out to macbf1994@gmail.com to express your interest in this opportunity.
