Congregational Health Ministry and Parish Nursing

Health ministry helps congregations care for one another by attaining, maintaining and/or regaining the best possible whole person health—wellness of body, mind and spirit—that can be experienced.

This is done with help from health professionals and other interested lay members. These congregational members form a health ministry committee or cabinet. In this way, they combine their knowledge and experience with their willingness to serve, support the pastor as he cares for the spiritual health of the congregation, and then respond to the unique health needs of the congregation and the community.

The role of a health minister may include:

• Health counselor
• Referral source
• Facilitator
• Integrator of health and healing
• Advocate

The parish nurse is a registered nurse who is committed to — and, on a broad level, is an integral part of — this concept of health ministries.  He/she works with the members of the health ministry committee or health cabinet, helping and enabling people of the congregation and the community attain, maintain and/or regain optimal health.

Parish nursing is a unique blending of professional nursing and spiritual caregiving.  We recommend that the parish nurse attend a special preparation program for parish nursing. Opportunities for basic preparation and continuing education are available within the LCMS. You might consider the following sources of Lutheran parish nurse preparation:

• Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon   262-243-4233
• Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries (Portland)   503-280-8600
• Valparaiso University (Indiana)   219-464-5389

For additional listings and program information, contact one or more of the following:

• Health Ministries Association   800-280-9919
• International Parish Nurse Resource Center   314-918-2559
• Nurses' Christian Fellowship   608-443-3722