What is Congregational Health Ministry?
LCMS 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
Whatever activities are needed in the congregation, the health minister facilitates the use of available resources in the congregation and the community (rather than providing directly “hands on” health care services).
A thread that runs through the health minister's job is that he/she does not duplicate other available nursing or medical services, but seeks to creatively bridge the gaps identified in the health education and care delivery system.
What is Parish Nursing?
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: Learn more or call 262-243-4233
For additional listings and program information, contact:
- Health Ministries Association: 800-280-9919
- Westberg Institute: 901-261-8833
LCMS supports parish nursing
Resources & Educational Options
“Missionaries Without Passports” webinar on June 15, 2015 — Led by Rita Nickel, Executive Director of Lutherans in Medical Mission
Watch webinar
Health Ministry & Parish Nursing Resources
Learn more
Parish Nursing Educational Options
Learn more
Contact us:
For general information, please email Health Ministry.