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Congregational Health Ministry/Parish Nurse
Congregational Health Ministry is often carried out by a team helping members
of the congregation to live enriched lives-physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
This team may be comprised of RNs, functioning as Parish Nurses; LPNs; Social
Workers; Educators; Counselors; Nutritionists and others. The team serves to provide
health education and as a resource team.
The Congregational Health Minister is a facilitator and advocate, focusing on
prevention and promoting activities that promote self-growth, including workshops
and wellness programs.
WHAT DOES A CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH MINISTER DO?
Mark is a social worker and coach. Sarah teaches junior high health classes.
Helen is a wife, mother, grandmother, Registered Nurse and Parish Nurse. All three
serve on congregational health ministry teams in local congregations.
Sarah writes articles and conducts classes on health and nutrition topics. Helen
spends about four hours each week as the Parish Nurse for the congregation. She
makes herself available to members who seek her expertise and advice regarding
health care issues. Mark works with youth in promoting healthy lifestyles and
making good choices.
A congregational health minister may make home visits, listening and helping
to find community resources to aid in recovery. And the congregational health
ministry team links those with needs to a network of caring within the congregation
and beyond. The team also works to increase the care-giving potential of the congregation
itself.
HOW LSS CAN HELP
Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania helps coordinate this
vital ministry with a variety of free services. LSS staff persons are willing
to meet with committees from congregations in our service area to assist in the
recruitment of Congregational Health Ministry team members.
We also provide a free 12-hour training course for Congregational Health Ministry
team members, including Parish Nurses. In addition, LSS offers a Resource Center
for educational materials and support group meetings with other Parish Nurses
and Congregational Health Ministers.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
If you are an RN, LPN, teacher, social worker, counselor, etc., with a firm belief
that Christ's mission of healing belongs to the church community, we invite you
to become part of this ministry.
The ideal volunteers possess the ability to teach, listen, and offer counsel.
Congregational Health Ministers have commitment and work well with groups within
the parish.
For more information on Congregational Health Ministry/Parish Nurse, contact
our LSS Administrator by email or phone at one of the numbers listed below.
Franklin County - 717-264-8178
York County - 717-854-4313 or 800-981-2942
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