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The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) set forth the challenge for
"congregations, governing bodies, and agencies of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) to become vigorous and conscious promoters of
health in all its aspects in the life of the church, active
advocates of health and agents of health in social order, and
responsible stewards of both health and health resources ..."
(Life Abundant: Values, Choices, and Health Care: The Responsibility
and Role of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 1988).
Parish nursing is one avenue whereby congregations can experience
the ministry of healing and wholeness God has promised to people
through life in Jesus Christ. Jesus' words of promise, "I
am come that they may have life, and have it abundantly "
(John 10:10) give impetus to the ministry of parish nursing
and begin to fulfill the challenge set forth by the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
God's desire is that persons experience wholeness and harmony
of body, mind and spirit within themselves as well as harmony
in their relationship with God, others and the environment.
As God's healing processes integrate a person's body, mind,
spirit and relationships, wholeness and well-being are evidenced
in the behaviors and lifestyle of these persons. However, such
healing may not include the curing of a physical disease(s).
The concepts of health and healing are basic foundations of
parish nursing. The parish nurse seeks to use his/her spiritual
gifts, including his/her professional knowledge and skills,
to promote a lifestyle of health and wholeness within the lives
and relationships of the congregation. It is currently recognized
that illness and mortality are strongly influenced by lifestyle,
attitudes and behaviors. Thus the ministry of the parish nurse
is to promote and encourage persons and congregations in their
understanding of what constitutes healthy attitudes, lifestyle
behavior and relationships with God and others.
The parish nurse is a member of the church pastoral team. As
such, the parish nurse lends health knowledge, clinical skills
and spiritual ministry to the other members of the pastoral
team blending with theirs for the benefit of congregational
members. Each member of the congregational body brings unique
ministry to the growth and development of the whole.
Some of the roles a parish nurse might play are:
- health educator and teacher to promote wholeness and healthy
lifestyles; to encourage understanding of the relationship
of faith and well-being.
- personal health counselor to assist persons in sorting
out personal health and relational problems, identifying options,
and setting priorities or seeking resources.
- advocate for those persons who cannot act or speak for
themselves to obtain needed resources or services.
- communication link and support for persons who need referrals
or liaison between the church and other health and welfare
services within the community.
- teacher of volunteers that encourages congregational members
in the utilization of their gifts through volunteer caring
ministries within the church.
- facilitator of pastoral care and comfort within the promotion
of health and healing.
- encourager/facilitator of support groups that facilitate
the healing of persons with special needs.
There are a variety of models through which parish nursing
programs have been developed and promoted. Some of these models
are focused on the institution that sponsors/supports the parish
nursing ministry such as a parish nurse ministry sponsored by
a church congregation or one that is sponsored through a hospital
or home health agency. Another focus of parish nurse ministries
is concerned with whether the nurse is paid or a volunteer. Sybil
Smith ("Responses" in Insight ( Spring,1999)
Vol.114, No 2. Austin Seminary: Austin, TX, pp. 29-32.) has
set forth models that focus on the operating philosophy of the
program. She suggests three models:
- Mission/ministry model where the nurse, paid or volunteer,
is called to a "congregational care ministry." She
suggests that "... the role of the nurse is called to
be about faith formation. Faith formation is at the core of
congregations and it is with faith formation that one comes
to understand the integration of faith and health." (pp.30-31)
- Marketplace model, often connected to a healthcare system,
driven by economics and offering a commodity to a congregation.
" The nurse may or may not be a member of the congregation
... the church building becomes the site of the health services."
(p.31)
- Access model often focuses concern on the justice issue
of equal access for all persons, especially providing for
those who are underserved. Often these are run by community
coalitions and do provide hope for those who have been "left
out." (p.31)
Clearly, many programs are combinations of the above three
models. All three models contribute to some degree to health
and healing. The important element for Smith (1999) and for
each parish nurse must be "... identifying the operating
philosophy behind various parish nursing models [for it] helps
congregational leaders make decisions for a model congruent
with their ministry goals." (p.32)
Each church must consider what fits the church mission as well
as assets and needs. Such factors as size of the church, age
of the members, geographic location, present programs and history
of the congregation need to be considered in developing a parish
nurse ministry.
Parish nursing continues to grow throughout the United States
and internationally. Within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
a number of avenues of assistance are available as a professional
nurse and/or a church begin(s) to develop a health ministry.
The Presbyterian Parish Nurse Task Force is a specialized working
sub-group of PHEWA. Task force members use their vast experience
to assist nurses and churches through conferences, resources,
a newsletter and personal conversations via email and telephone. |
