What is a Health Ministry, a Faith Community Nurse and why are they important?
The church is the living representation of the love of Jesus Christ. Health is a dynamic state determined by the interaction of spiritual, physical, emotional, social and financial factors. The church can and should play a primary role in supporting the health of their members.
James 2:16-17 states:
If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
In the same way, we want to care for the needs of those facing health challenges and other life changing events. The Faith Community Nurse (FCN) leads the health ministry and serves as a part of the ministerial team. One essential role of the Faith Community Nurse is to organize and train lay volunteers to use their gifts in serving to those in need. Services provided by the team members are: hospital and home visits, prayer, meal preparation and delivery for short term needs and sending cards of encouragement. Other activities might be delegated by the Pastor or the FCN to the team with the appropriate training and resources.
What is a Faith Community Nurse?
The Faith Community Nurse is a Registered Nurse who serves as a member of the ministry staff of a faith community to promote health as wholeness of the faith community, its family and individual members, and the community it serves through the independent practice of nursing defined by the Nurse Practice Act in the jurisdiction in which he or she practices. In addition, the American Nurses Association has developed Scope and Standards of Practices for Faith Community Nurses.
The most common functions and roles of Faith Community Nurses are:
· Integrator of the relationship between health and faith
· Health education and coach
· Referral agent/providing resources
· Developer of support groups
· Trainer and coordinator of volunteers
· Health Advocate
· Navigator for complex medical needs
What a Faith Community Nurse is not:
The Faith Community Nurse (FCN) is not a replacement for primary health care services. In other words, the nurse does not replace your personal health care provider.
· However, the FCN can serve as a support and enhancement by providing health education, referral to resources and navigation.
That Faith Community Nurse does not provide urgent care. Always call 911 in an emergency. If you are facing an urgent health need or you aren’t sure you need to be seen by your primary care provider the FCN can’t make that judgement for you.
· However, the FCN or a team member if available will support the Pastoral hospital visits and provide individualized support and prayer.
How do I access the Faith Community Nurse or member of the Health Ministry team?
For immediate needs contact:
· Call or text Pastor Mark at 262- 546-7890
· Call or text Heidi Sykora 262-573-7848
· For non-urgent needs email healthministry@cedarcreekcommunitychurch.org
Please contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or want to join the Health Ministry team.
Blessings to all,