Commencing a Health & Care ministry in your church

12 What is the role of b care? b care will provides churches with: Consultancy, shared resources, education and networking opportunities to enable them to commence, nurture and sustain viable Health & Care ministries. Partnering churches will continue to have autonomous governance of the Health & Care ministry activities they choose to undertake. b care will provide Health & Care ministry workers with: 1. Information, education and resources to perform their role which includes: promoting and sustaining charitable health care; preventing disease and alleviating illness; facilitating the social preconditions for health; providing restorative care; assisting individuals with a condition/disease re self management and self care; supporting those with existing disease/s to live well within their community; assisting people to see how integrating faith can promote health. This care is undertaken within the supportive context of an employing church family to whom the HCM worker is accountable. Commencing a Health & Care ministry in your church 2. Standards of practice relevant to Health & Care ministry and professional conduct. Professionals working in the b care network must adhere to the regulations and standards governing their profession, as well as the legislation to which they are accountable within the jurisdiction of South Australia. b care will provide opportunities to help members meet these standards. b care will liaise with comparable professional bodies locally, nationally and internationally; to ensure quality communication and networking to increase awareness of the opportunities that Health & Care ministry provides to all South Australians. Interested churches and individuals working in Health & Care ministry can apply to join the b care network by completing a form which is available on the Baptist Care website at www.baptistcaresa.org.au select the services option and then click on the health wellbeing and ageing option and download the Introducing b care membership flier. In our church we provide foot, back and neck massages to those in need. Older people who can t reach their feet are helped to stay mobile. The occasion provides an opportunity for physical care while the person having the massage talks about their life. I have been able to pray with people about life issues while providing a tangible experience of Jesus love for them. It is an unassuming and powerful way to communicate Christ s healing love that meets people at their point of need. (Anne, HCM worker Blackwood Hills Baptist) 2012 Fore more information contact A. Van Loon RN PhD Manager Health, Wellbeing & Ageing Baptist Care (SA) Inc. Ph 61 8273 7104 email: avanloon@baptistcaresa.org.au This sheet may be reproduced for non commercial use. Please insert Reprinted with permission from b care Pastoral Health & Care Network a program of Baptist Care (SA) Inc. Baptist Care (SA) Inc I will bring health and healing to you; I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security. Jeremiah 33:6

2 What does God s word have to say about the Church s role in the Health & Care ministry? The Church has a vital role in health, healing and care giving. The way that Christians care for one another is a powerful witness of God s love and grace. It is also an expression of living out what Christians preach and teach in a practical way that glorifies God. The Church is commanded by Christ to preach, teach and heal the sick (Luke 9:2). The Church has a role in modelling Jesus' healing ministry, to which almost a third of the gospels are devoted. Wellbeing allows the Church to serve God in the best possible way and involves the responsible stewardship of our gifts (Romans 12:4 8; 1 Corinthians 12:4 11). How we use our body (1 Corinthians 6:19 20) and the life God gives us, is our "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) and response to His love. The Church is called to encourage growth towards wholeness an abundant life in Jesus Christ (John 10:10). A health and healing ministry allows the Church to assist others to improve/maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health. The Church has a mandate to care for those in need and to respond to Jesus' message;...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25: 40). A Health & Care ministry expands on the Church s role in following Christ s example (Matthew 25:31 46). The Church points others to Jesus by the way it cares for people; by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). The Church s involvement in Health & Care ministry is a demonstration of its faith; "faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead (James 2:17). The Church has a theological directive to serve; to seek justice; to exercise good stewardship; to empower people; to nurture growth toward wholeness in and through Jesus Christ, facilitating God s mission and ministry in this world. This is achieved within a community of healing people who are connected and able to reach out with strength and solidarity, to provide renewed hope, meaning, purpose and support. Health & Care ministry motivates, inspires and equips people in the Church to love one another through a pastoral health, healing and care ministry that restores and nurtures the human spirit and brings glory to God. I have experienced first hand the Church s vital role in Health & Care ministry after a tragic accident left my husband a quadriplegic. The holistic care that my husband, three children and I received through the church s Health & Care ministry enabled us to cope remarkably well under extreme conditions. The powerful witness of God s love that this ministry displays lives on. (Milllie Davey RN. RMHN. Aldgate Baptist Church) 11 Office space: an office is not essential but it is important to have a private space to make phone calls, document work and keep confidential records, so a desk, chair, lockable filing cabinet for confidential case note storage, a telephone and bookcase are required for the team. It is important to have a place for face to face and telephone interviews with clients that assures privacy and confidentiality. Hold a commissioning service for the Health & Care ministry team it helps HCM workers to know they are being sent out with the blessing of their church family to minister on their behalf. Getting Started Phase 3: Health & Care ministry in action Documentation: Keep documents that are uniform and legally accountable. b care will develop an electronic manual with documentation proformas for professionals working in Health & Care ministry that can be modified for local use. Always maintain a simple but accurate record of activity; client progress, evaluation and a personal portfolio of HCM practice. Recruiting more HCM volunteers: Survey the church for time and talents. Present and introduce the HCM role, functions and program to the church and the wider community inform them how they can refer and volunteer. Personal approaches to appropriate people is a successful recruiting method. Clarify the reason you need volunteers, give a time and level of commitment you require. Provide a position description that details responsibilities and benefits of the HCM worker position. Preparation: Undertake the Introduction to Health & Care Ministry course the b care network offers. It is a two day intensive course that includes course materials. Budget to enable as many workers as possible to attend. These courses provide a baseline for HCM and are an investment in preparing your team for this ministry role. Program Planning: Ensure programs conducted meet the needs of the church family. Then, extend the reach of your programs into the wider community. It helps to do a needs survey to identify pertinent needs in the church family and the region. Start with a program directed to an established need for a lot of people, avoiding controversial programs in the early stages, and focus on wellness, not just diseases. Use the weekly newsletter for publicity of program activities and to promote health. Develop a health resource area within the building for your HCM publications. Visiting: It is wise to commence the Health & Care ministry with visits to people who require assistance. Visits build rapport within the church family and when people see the health needs of congregation members being met, they are more likely to endorse the HCM role as a genuine health and pastoral care ministry rather than a program. Celebrate regularly with your team. Pray together, read God s word together, learn and encourage each other. Keep sharing the blessing of this ministry.

10 Develop a proposal which defines the population to be served, offer a description of HCM roles, functions and programs, identify goals that complement and supplement current ministries. Submit proposal to the governing person/body of the church for permission to start. Develop position descriptions and criteria for selection (this may be necessary before the permission to commence has been granted). Clarify position description and (if salaried the contract) ensuring that it is realistic with respect to capabilities, time and the resources available, before both parties sign the agreement. Organise for selection/appointment of the HCM leader. Accountability structures need to be identified. Ensure all practising health professionals have current registration from their regulatory authority and a current practising certificate/licensure. Sighted and documented annually by employer. Insurance must be in place prior to commencement of the HCM. Check the adequacy of the insurance cover to ensure all professionals are completely covered. Get this documented in writing and keep that information on file. Orientation: After appointment, ensure the HCM workers are orientated to the church, the pastoral care team, the structures and processes in place to get things done. Getting Started Phase 2: Commencing Health & Care ministry Promote the Health & Care ministry in weekly bulletin, newsletters, notice boards, spots during services, presentations to small groups, fliers, posters, and personal introductions etc. Create a brochure about Health & Care ministry that explains the role, functions, services, programs, activities and the time and place these will occur, and how clients/participants can make contact. Network with other local health services. Know appropriate referral processes; do not duplicate existing services. Establish referral networks. Network with other faith communities in the area and establish key contact persons for support, mentoring and resource and referral. Assess the health needs of your church family using a health survey form, telephone survey, direct visits, small groups, etc. Programs must be congruent with the vision, mission and values of the church and current health care. They should reflect a holistic perspective of the person and focus on promoting health and wellbeing, preventing disease, and self managing existing conditions/illness. Short term plan: specific activities that are achievable. Start small and do a few things very well. Plan to use local experts first, to keep costs down. Long term: keep workload in mind so larger events do not take all the time away from 1:1 visiting. Meet the church family needs first. Develop a plan of immediate and projected costs, noting the degree of importance for each item eg mandatory, immediate (medium & long term) desirable, non essential. If possible, create a budget that indicate where funds are coming from in the short term and longer term. 3 What is Health & Care ministry? Health & Care Ministry (HCM) workers can be part of a health promoting and caring ministry within the Christian church. HCM workers are people who may hold professional health related qualifications, or they may be gifted lay workers. If they are working in their professional capacity, they must hold recognised qualifications that allow them to practice in South Australia. They must ensure their qualifications are up to date and comply with the professional standards, codes and regulations that govern that particular profession, even if they are practising in a voluntary capacity. The HCM worker focuses her/his care on people within the church family and the geographic or cultural group which that church serves. HCM workers have three key foci: firstly, promoting health; secondly preventing disease, illness, injury, abuse and suffering; and thirdly providing compassionate care to those living with illness, disability and/or suffering. HCM workers extend the social justice, compassionate service, stewardship, pastoral care, restorative and healing ministry of the Christian church. Health care has its historical roots in the Christian church s mission and ministry undertaken by religious brotherhoods, sisterhoods, deacons and deaconesses. Health & Care ministry has always been integral to the Christian church. HCM workers volunteer to work as part of a team ministry in pastoral health, healing and restorative care within their church. HCM workers endorse a Christ centred holistic approach to health, healing, disease and illness. They see the person as more than a composite of physical, psychological, social and spiritual parts'. Rather these parts' are integrated via the spiritual dimension, which creates a dynamic growth toward wholeness in and through Jesus Christ, the source of healing, wholeness and consequently well being. The central goal of the HCM worker s role is to restore and maintain this spiritual integration and nurture the growth of body, mind and spirit in a variety of ministry activities. For the Christian church the spiritual dimension is organised around the framework of Scripture, so HCM workers seek to support that framework and sustain the person s relationships to God, to other people and to the created environment. The concept is magnificent! It provides holistic care. It fits in well with our overall pastoral care... It fits into that overall ministry of care in this parish. It is an integrated approach Rev. Bob George (Anglican Priest)

4 9 Is Health & Care ministry an effective ministry for today? There are many common social factors affecting the health of contemporary Australians. They include crisis and loss events based on life changes and transition periods; poverty; unemployment; under employment; conflict and breakdown within the family; lack of social support; inadequate life skills (such as communication, conflict management, parenting etc.); loneliness and isolation (particularly for the elderly); mental illness; abuse, family violence and harsh social conditions. These key factors are among those identified as significant contributors to illness. Many of these factors are capable of being addressed by our churches as part of a Health & Care ministry program. Health & Care ministries are one vital way the church can promote the health and healing that can be experienced by living life within a caring and nurturing community that is bound together by the healing love of Jesus Christ. We live in a society where many are experiencing fragmented relationships from family separation, which leaves many elderly, young families and single people facing illness and life transitions alone. Isolation and loneliness and their accompanying mental, social, physical and spiritual needs are known precursors to illness. Reconnecting people to support is integral to improving community health, helping people experience belonging, which is imperative to social, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Many preconditions for healthy communities are found in communal living and this cannot be simulated. The church is one of a few community groups that meets voluntarily, regularly, across the lifespan and on a long term basis. These important attributes of the church need to be recognised, embraced, protected and nurtured by those privileged to be living in such a community. Christian churches have long been active at the tertiary end of the health care continuum, providing hospitals (eg Calvary and St Andrews), aged care services (Resthaven, Helping Hand, Warrina homes, Baptist Homes, Southern Cross homes, Anglicare, Lutheran Aged Care etc). They have commenced and maintained many secondary health and care services via community based aged care, community care, health and social services provided by organisations such as Baptist Care, Uniting Care, Lutheran Community Care, Centacare etc. Where the Christian churches have been less focused in their mission and ministry is at the primary health care end of the continuum. This aspect of the health and care continuum focuses on prevention of disease and illness, and the promotion of health and wellbeing. Figure 1 shows this continuum and outlines where churches are most active. Commencing church based pastoral Health & Care ministries will address the Christian church s absence at the primary health care end of the health and care continuum. How might you start a Health & Care ministry? Getting Started Phase One: Planning Permission & Selection Pray about the Health & Care ministry, for God s will, timing and leading. Be patient, any new project takes time. Expect at least 6 12 months for the ministry to commence. Learn about Health & Care ministry Access specific resource sites such as: Baptist Care website. www.baptistcaresa.org.au click on services and then select the health, wellbeing and ageing page and follow the prompts. Australian Faith Community Nurses Association Inc. is the peak association in Australia for education, resources, consultancy re faith community / parish nursing. Contact them at PO Box 2707 Kent Town, SA 5071 or via the website www.afcna.org.au. The International Parish Nurse Resource Center (St Louis USA) peak centre for education and resource development re parish nursing in USA and now internationally, Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, 475 East Lockwood Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119 Telephone: (314) 918 2559, Fax: (314) 918 2558, http://ipnrc.parishnurses.org Health Ministries Association (USA) peak body for Health & Care ministry in USA. http://www.hcm assoc.org/ Ph 770 640 9955 e mail: info@hcm assoc.org Search denominational websites for a key person using key search words such as [faith community nursing] or [parish nursing] or [health ministry] or [congregational health] to find many free resources on line. Discuss the vision of the possibilities with the Pastor/Leadership: first via discussions with the leadership of the faith community, then via verbal or visual presentation. Get permission to investigate interest establish goals and formulate a strategy. Establish a preliminary Health & Care ministry planning group. This same group may form the nucleus of a HCM committee. Approach people with health and care qualifications and include those with specific gifts for this ministry. Identify why HCM would benefit the church, and how it is congruent with the purpose and goals of your church. Evaluate where it fits best in the structure of the church and clarify that existing ministries/programs are not being duplicated. Ascertain feasibility, particularly re human and financial resources and consider the most suited model to sustain the life and growth of this ministry.

8 5 Does Health & Care ministry need health professionals? Health & Care ministry works best when it is coordinated up by a practising health professional. The team also has appropriately gifted lay HCM workers who supplement and complement the professional HCM workers. These may be retired or non practising health professionals, or people with specific gifts suited to HCM ministry, eg compassion. There are significant advantages in having practising registered nurses in your team as they have generic health related knowledge and skills that are most suited to navigating the health system and providing care management. Additionally, nurses have the confidence and respect of the public and are regularly voted as one of the most ethical professions according to annual national public opinion polls. It is highly likely that there are registered nurses in your church willing to use their knowledge and gifts in the Health & Care ministry. Counsellors, social workers, physiotherapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists, doctors, chaplains etc all have important knowledge and skills to bring to the HCM team. Building a team of professionals and gifted lay workers is best. Is Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance required for Health & Care Ministry? Primary Health Care Support services Case management: focused on prevention and self care Primary care visits Health education Personal growth programs Screening activities Disease prevention (eg immunisation, resilience training) Wellness programs (eg fitness, nutrition, relaxation, meditation) Injury prevention (eg child safety, road safety, falls prevention) Abuse prevention (eg courses, counselling) Secondary Health Care Aged care services Community care services Disability care services Respite services Community based health services to specific target groups (eg women Indigenous, refugees, migrants, etc) Day treatment/care centres (mental health, disability, aged care etc) Outpatient health services Therapeutic group homes Home based treatment services Tertiary Health Care Hospitals and acute care health services (eg inpatient, ambulatory care, emergency, acute rehabilitation, diagnostics etc) End of Life care (hospice & home) Sub acute services (eg Hospital in the home, home nursing, step down services etc.) Crisis placement services Residential treatment facilities (mental health, addiction treatment, etc) Residential aged care Churches belonging to the South Australian Baptist Churches are covered by Baptist Insurance for General and Products liability or Public Liability (PL) and Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance for this ministry. Other churches will need to ensure they carry adequate PL and PI insurance via their denominational insurer and provide their insurer with a letter detailing the exact role and functions of the HCM workers, both professional and lay (salaried and volunteers) so the insurer can determine if premiums need to be altered to provide sufficient cover. From January 2012 all health professionals must carry PI under section 39 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act (the National Law). Professional indemnity should be obtained, whether the HCM worker is employed in a salaried or voluntary position. The health professional is responsible to ensure they have adequate PI and PL insurance for this ministry. Prevent disease & injury; promote health & wellness Support & Sustain; Treat & Manage in community Treat & Manage disease & illness in facility/service The employing church also has the responsibility to ensure their HCM workers are sufficiently covered. (NB Midwives, dentists and doctors are exempt from the Baptist Insurance cover, therefore additional personal arrangements will need to be considered if those people wish to practice in their professional roles in HCM.) The following PI cover should be considered: civil liability cover; unlimited retroactive cover and run off cover. Church based Health & Care ministries operate in local churches which are networked via the b care network with Baptist Care as the leading hub Baptist Care and other faithbased health, disability, community & aged care service providers in the community Faith based hospitals eg Calvary, St Andrews & aged care services eg Baptist Homes Playford Village Check the website of your profession for details, but the requirements for most professions are available at www.ahpra.gov.au Fig 1. Health & Care Continuum

6 7 Why have a Health & Care ministry in your church? Health & Care ministry is an asset to your pastor because HCM workers: bring the gospel to people at their point of need, in word and deed; provide care in ways that complement the pastor s role by providing holistic pastoral health and care for the faith community and beyond; can conduct health and wellness programs that support the pastor s specific message re compassionate care, service, social justice and stewardship; can provide opportunity and information in health related areas that people may not feel comfortable to speak about with their pastor; provide a team of health professionals and lay workers who can extend the reach of God s love into the congregation and the community; and greatly enhances what pastoral care can provide on its own. Health & Care ministry is an asset to the faith community because its workers: nurture and support people with physical, psycho social and spiritual needs; help support members through life s transitions such as: pregnancy, child birth, parenting, illness, hospitalisation, residential care, grief and bereavement, chronic illness, disability, life and family crises; carry out a hospital, residential care and home visiting ministry; can refer to the b care network of health and care professionals (professionals are regulated workers that are legally and ethically bound to maintain professional standards of care at all times, giving the ministry integrity and accountability standards that are publicly monitored); provide health information and education that is informed by faith; and provide holistic professional services across the lifespan to meet specific needs. Health & Care ministry is an asset to the community because it: is an identifiable public face to the church s ministry of holistic care; provides confidential personal support to clients and carers in need; empowers people to manage their own health and wellbeing with support; helps people to navigate the continuum of health care within their community; develops the social capacity of the community by creating strong links on behalf of the church with other health and social services; opens church buildings to support community engagement and health activities; and provides a link for people in transition between health and care services. What might a HCM worker s position description contain? Principle activities and responsibilities of the HCM worker could include: identifies and responds to the health and care needs of individuals, the faith community and the broader community the church serves; has a Biblical understanding of the relationship between faith and health that they are willing to share with anyone who may want to understand the connection; supports specific activities, programs and groups aiming to promote wellbeing, provide care, prevent illness, or provide support to people with existing conditions; provides personal support re health and social issues relating to their professional knowledge, personal gifts and life experience; works as part of a HCM team to support appointed HCM activities; reports back to the coordinator of the HCM or the b care hub coordinator; and participates fully in the life and activities of the church. Essential criteria of the HCM worker: understanding of, and commitment to, the teachings and mission of this church; spiritual maturity and the ability to discuss issues relating to faith and health; good interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with minimal direction and flexibility; develops personal capacity by participating in continuing education activities; has a personal attitude that demonstrates care and compassion; complies with accountability mechanisms set in place by the church; engages in accountable HCM practice, maintaining privacy, confidentiality and legally appropriate standards of practice; and holds a valid police clearance. NB: The above criteria serve as a guide to developing a position description. They are not exhaustive. It should be adapted to meet the needs of your church. It will be useful to include accountability structures within the statement at the outset of employment for salaried and volunteer workers. Please keep in mind there are strict regulations governing various health professionals in Australia. When employing any health professional in their professional capacity (even as a volunteer) please ensure that the person is aware that they must comply with the legal and professional requirements of their particular profession within Australia and particularly South Australia. It is their obligation to know what these requirements are, and to adhere to the prescribed standards of practice for their particular profession.