HealthShares have a history rooted in Christianity and are often called “ministries” due to their religious connections. In fact, many HealthShare members view their participation in these ministries as an extension of their faith in action. But it does raise the question of whether all HealthShare members must be religious or adhere to specific beliefs.
Are all HealthShares religious?
Some HealthShares have religious requirements, and some do not. When shopping for a faith-based HealthShare, it’s common to find membership guidelines that incorporate scriptures, doctrinal rationale for the terms of membership, and connections between membership, prayer, and religious devotion.
Conversely, when exploring secular HealthShare options, memberships are often more focused on healthcare than on religious principles. Some of these organizations, even if founded on Christian principles, aim to welcome new members from a variety of denominations. Still other HealthShares have no specific religious ties at all.
Statement of belief vs. principles of membership
Typically, faith-centered HealthShares have a statement of belief, while more secular HealthShares have a set of membership principles. Regardless of the type, every HealthShare maintains standards of conduct that members must agree to upon joining.
Although a particular HealthShare’s standards may not be linked to religious doctrine, they still require people to agree to ethical principles. These principles often include living a healthy lifestyle, caring for those in your household, and believing in the structure and effectiveness of medical cost sharing. Members of such HealthShares are bound by foundational standards, connecting through codes of conduct and moral principles rather than shared faith.
Flexible religious requirements
The strictness of religious requirements varies among HealthShares. Some faith-based HealthShares like Samaritan Ministries, Medi-Share, and Christian Healthcare Ministries require strict adhere to religious principles and may require proof of members’ religious devotion and church attendance.
On the other hand, HealthShares like Liberty HealthShare and OneShare Health may simply require agreement to a statement of belief, encouraging members to worship freely in their own way.
For those who prefer not to mix any statement of religious belief with their healthcare, there are options available that do not require such commitments.
Non-religious HealthShare options
Although most of the well-established and widely-known HealthShares are faith based, some secular HealthShares are making an impact on the industry. These options may be relatively new but offer alternatives for those who prefer a non-religious approach.
Sedera has a set of ethical principles that members must agree to, but these principles contain no religious beliefs or statements. Sedera focuses entirely on providing a supportive and innovative healthcare community.
Zion HealthShare has a set of ethical and moral principles, but they do not ask members to state their specific religious beliefs or agree to any statement of faith. The Zion HealthShare website emphasizes their fresh approach and makes it clear that they welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
A HealthShare for everyone
HealthShares are voluntary membership communities. As such, they outline how members must conduct themselves to remain a part of that community. Due to the nature of the HealthShare industry, many options involve a commitment to a certain faith. However, a few alternatives offer a HealthShare community without religious devotion.
As the industry grows and evolves, more secular HealthShares may become available. For now, quality options cater to potential HealthShare members from all walks of life, providing opportunities for everyone to find the right fit.
