Table 2 Proposed implementation strategies for faith-based health promotion programs

(1) Health behavior change training—training and education

Pastors lack self-efficacy for PA

Pastors influence churchgoers’ behaviors

Pastors’ increased self-efficacy for PA; pastors role model healthy behaviors, including PA

(1) Health behavior change training—education

Pastors lack knowledge in promoting PA

Pastors provide individual-level counseling to members

Pastors encourage churchgoers to be active and healthy (e.g., praise those who meet PA goals)

(1) Health behavior change training—motivate change

Churches can support culture of overeating and unhealthy behaviors

Pastors influence church culture and norms

Pastors implement policies that promote health (e.g., healthy tips in church bulletins); establish a health ministry

(2) Tailored messaging—tailor strategies

Programs typically come from within the church

Churches implement programs that are aligned with their mission

Pastors consider the program to be relevant (e.g., social justice) to them and the church

(3) Foster community collaboration—develop partnerships

Churches lack sufficient space and personnel for programming

Local organizations with capacity for PA programming

Stronger collaborations with local organizations (e.g., joint projects, sharing resources/staff)

(4) Gain denominational support—involve executive leadership

Denominational support is needed for a program to succeed

Denominational support can lead to wider scale-up

Denominational leadership (e.g., Diocese) encourages pastors to promote PA in churches