Community-initiated research engagement: Equitable partnership delivering research-ready faith-based ambassadors

Background: Faith-based communities supporting diverse and underserved communities are increasingly being recognized by health researchers as valued partners for research engagement. Although the “why engage” is clearly documented, the how and lessons learned is less well evidenced. Objectives: This article describes community-academic collaboration initiated by African American faith-based church leaders to foster equitable partnership, engagement and shared decision making in patient-centered health research initiatives. Methods: A phased process of relationship and capacity building was used to found and operationalize a mixed stakeholder community advisory board (CAB). Core phases presented in this article are (1) pre-CAB capacity building, (2) developing the CAB vision and mission, (3) extending CAB capacity, and (4) sustaining CAB capacity. Lessons Learned: Collaborative governance and shared goal setting delivers research engagement which supports the data needs and aspirations of faith-based communities. Conclusions: Faith-based communities have the capacity to design and deliver community appropriate governance for research engagement.