African Americans (AAs) have higher prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension than Whites, which leads to reduced life expectancy. Barriers to achieving blood pressure control in AAs include mistrust of healthcare and poor adherence to medication and dietary recommendations. We conducted a pilot study of a church-based community health worker (CHW)…

In this article, the author explores how African American children in a Black church Sunday school community in northern California developed positive membership identity. Focal participants were Sunday school children ages 9 to 12 and their Sunday school teachers. Drawn from a two-year ethnographic study, data showed that adults prepared children…

Describes the emergence of parish nursing as a specialty practice within community health nursing. Parish nurse roles include health educator, health counselor, liaison to community resources, and clarifier of the relationship between faith and health. (JOW)

Ninety-two adults with developmental disabilities were interviewed about their church attendance. Fifty-two percent reported they had attended church in the last seven days. Of these attendees, 73 percent attended a Christian church, 94 percent know the name of their church, and 48 percent attended church with a family member. (Contains…

This annotated bibliography cites books, manuals, games, and periodicals useful in family enrichment programs. Some of the cited materials have a Christian focus. (SJL)

Prison Fellowship Ministries' church and community based Transition of Prisoners (TOP) program in Detroit is examined. TOP mobilizes, trains, and equips primarily African-American churches and volunteers to assist ex-offenders to successfully reintegrate into their community. Preliminary outcome data suggest that participation in TOP reduces need…

This resource packet includes information relating to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Christian church. The first article, "Changing Attitudes, Creating Awareness," highlights several critical areas where churches can begin to understand the barriers of exclusion to people with disabilities. The following article, "Victim…

The paper reviews literature related to the active participation of individuals with disabilities in religious organizations. A summary is then presented of a study conducted in a mid-sized metropolitan city of clergy perceptions of services available to individuals with disabilities and their families. The study, involving 125 clergy, examined…

This survey provides factual data on the study patterns of adults within Presbyterian Church School programs. The information is intended to be used in areas such as leadership training; the denomination's consultant program; in preparation of new materials; and within the Department of Adult Education of the Presbyterian Church. The study shows…

As trained counselors, career educators, and career education guidance and counseling programs have become increasingly available, there has been a tendency for the church to lose the perspective of its role in preparing people, particularly the young, for purposeful and satisfying lives. A church-based career development program would provide…

THIS WORKSHOP WAS ORGANIZED TO PROVIDE BAPTIST WORKERS WITH THE DEAF THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME BETTER ORIENTED TO THE PROGRAM OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SO THAT THEY CAN BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS. AFTER A PRESENTATION OF THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS IS…

WRITTEN BY A CHAPLAIN IN A PUBLIC RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTION FOR MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS, THE BOOK DEFINES THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN HELPING THE MENTALLY RETARDED AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. THE DISCUSSION OF THE MINISTRY TO THE FAMILY TREATS MENTAL RETARDATION AS A FAMILY PROBLEM AND THE PASTORAL CARE OF PARENTS…

Various agencies contributed to the education of black adults in Manhattan (New York City) during the period 1880-1930. Most of these programs were centered in Harlem as that area became home to vastly increasing numbers of black people. Organizations which contributed to adult education included the churches with their "lyceums," which…