CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH MINISTRY : AN INTRODUCTION TO PARISH NURSING

by Susan Hauck

What is a Congregational Ministry:

1. It is the renewal of one of the most important ministries of the church, Spiritual, Mental and Physical Healing.

2. The Mind-Body Connection!

3. A Healing source lies within!

Why Now? Medicine is embracing the Importance of Self-Acceptance and Healing.

There is value to treating people holistically and bridging Faith with Health.

The rising cost of healthcare as led to bringing health education where the people are, the church!

WHAT IS A PARISH / CONGREGATIONAL NURSE?

Congregational Nurses is a nurse who has often experienced Personal spiritual transformation. The Parish Nurse assist and supports individuals and families to be good stewards of their personal and communal health.

The Parish Nurse:

Understands health is a dynamic process and embodies spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of a person.

The Focus of the Parish Nurse is on Health and

Healing.

Health, H

ealing and Wholeness. Q

ueens University 2004

Parish Nurse’s know A sense of well being can exist in the presence of disease…..

And healing can exist in the absence of a cure.

Beatitudes of Carers

Parish Nurse’s :

Challenge the nurse to reclaim the spiritual dimension of care!

Challenge the Health Care System to provide whole person care!

Challenge the faith community to restore its healing mission!

PARISH NURSE ROLE: Intergrator of Faith and Health• Health Educator• Personal health counselor• Referral agent• Facilitator of support groups• Facilitator of Volunteers• Health Advocate

Health Ministry Focus• Visit the homebound, coordinate care, advocate in

the health system• Teacher and Facilitator of Learning• Health fairs

STARTING A PARISH NURSE PROGRAM

A Wellness Ministry SurveyA Great Place to Start

There are many Congregational Survey’s that can assist the church leadership to identify needs and determine what gaps exist. Surveys can screen members for health concerns and unfulfilled needs.

REFERENCES FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION

Kelsey, Morton; Healing and Christianity; 1995

Vandecreek, Larry; Mooney, Sue; Parish Nurses, Health Care Chaplins and Community Clergy,2002

Health, Healing and Wholeness; Queens University ; Parish Nurse Institute; 2004

Theology References Steps for a

Successful Congregational Survey

Guidelines for a Congregational Needs Assessment

Legal Issues

Bibliography Attachments: Hard Copy