Steps in Establishing a Health Ministry. Diana Williams, MSN, RN Director, Community Ministries Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital

Transcription

1 Steps in Establishing a Health Ministry Diana Williams, MSN, RN Director, Community Ministries Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital

2 The Bible and Health Care Many scriptures, both from the Old and New Testament, address the healthcare concerns of both Jews and Christians, and therefore speak to the importance of health ministry in congregations.

3 Healing in Scripture Old Testament I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning 19 start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the LORD, will heal you and give you peace Isaiah 57:18-19, CEV New Testment 20 A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and barely touched his clothes. 21 She had said to herself, If I can just touch his clothes, I will get well. 22 Jesus turned. He saw the woman and said, Don t worry! You are now well because of your faith. At that moment she was healed. Matthew 9:20-22

4 Why Have Health Ministries in Faith Communities? Biblical: Healings are the centerpiece of Jesus ministry on earth. Effective: provides the opportunity to reach people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds Supportive

5 Pray Pray for direction and guidance regarding God s will and timing. Be patient: it takes time for an idea such as this to germinate and grow. Pray some more!

6 The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood, as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, it is pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

7 Learn Study available resources Talk to others involved in health ministry Contact your national faith group or denomination to learn the types of resources and support they offer

8 Share Your Knowledge Discuss what you ve learned with your pastor and church leaders Begin to educate members or your faith community Pray some more!

9 Look at What You Already Have Determine what programs already exist in your church related to outreach and care of others, health and wholeness. Gather the leaders of these programs together with your pastor for discussions. Determine interests and feelings related to a more encompassing health ministry

10 Create Awareness Announcements in the church bulletin Articles in the church newsletter Displays on bulletin boards Presentations to groups and committees in the church Presentations during worship that explain the connection between spirituality and health

11 Wellness Tips Body: During cold and flu season, wash your hands often. Mind: When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. Spirit: Take five minutes to enjoy God s creation. Green: Try microfiber cleaning cloths instead of paper towels or disposable wipes

12 The Health Ministry Committee The Health Ministry Committee (Team/Cabinet) is composed of volunteers from the faith community, who along with the clergy and faith community nurse or health ministry coordinator, strive to help members improve their health. Their responsibility is not to carry out the entire health ministry program themselves, but to provide the supportive leadership that makes the ministry possible.

13 Activities of the Health Ministry Committee Create a common vision for the ministry Establish a purpose and goals for the ministry Develop a strategic plan and meet regularly Identify resources within the faith community Develop a budget and plan for ongoing funding of the ministry Decide when it is time to recruit and hire a FCN

14 Congregational Survey Keep it simple ideally, one page. Administer the survey and collect them at the same time i.e., during morning worship or a Sunday School class Use the survey as a volunteer recruitment tool Publish the results of the survey Develop appropriate HM programs to meet identified needs

15 Partnerships Hospital based health ministry/faith community nursing programs Partnerships with other churches Build relationships with other agencies that share your mission and values i.e., food pantries, homeless shelters, local missions Local health departments Interagency councils

16 Your First Event! Blood Pressure Screening Health Ministry bulletin board Articles in the church bulletin or newsletter Educational programs Health Fair

17 References A Guide to Developing a Health Ministry, Health Ministries Association, Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Curriculum, IPNRC, Celebration of Life a Dedication to Nurses, Diane Penning, St. Francis of Assisi a Life of Joy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., 2005

18 Questions? For more information contact: Diana Williams, MSN, RN Healthy Community Services Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital 1000 Ashland Drive Ashland, KY