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Churches are recognized for their potential capacity to provide health services and interventions to address health disparities in African-Americans (blacks). Since pastors are central community leaders, their support and involvement can influence both implementation and outcomes for church-based health programs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore pastors’ perceptions of congregant health status within the black church.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 pastors whose female congregants participated in a physical activity intervention. Thematic analysis techniques were used to analyze interview data.

Three major themes emerged: (1) health risks in the African-American community, (2) health promotion in the black church, and (3) the importance of …