Parish Nursing At
Community in Christ
What the Parish Nurse and Health
Ministry Team has to offer you.
Penny Zimmerman RN, MSN
January 19, 2011
What is “Health”?
What is “Health”?
Mainstream society’s definition of health: an
absence of disease.
“Absence of disease” is a narrow concept.
Fosters an “illness” and “treatment” mentality.
Very disjointed. Not well integrated.
Does not assume that the whole is greater than the
sum of its parts.
Christian Perspective of
Health
All health and wholeness is rooted in God.
The Bible “provides us with an understanding of God’s
love and healing activity as well as a paradigm for
health and wholeness of the community.”
Scriptural Basis
“I am the Lord that heals you.” Exodus 15:26
“For I will restore you to health, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 30:17
“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Ulrich, S. (2010). Health ministry in the local congregation. Retreived 1/4/11 at
http://www.episcopalhealthministries.org/files/resources/hm_in_the_local_congregation_20
10_3.pdf
Christian Perspective of
Health
“Jesus shared His power of healing with the disciples
as he sent them into the world equipping them to
witness to the kingdom of god by word and act
(deed). The gift of healing is not given to build up
one’s self, but to enable a right relationship to occur
between the individual and (God).”
The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20
Ulrich, S. (2010). Health ministry in the local congregation. Retreived 1/4/11 at
http://www.episcopalhealthministries.org/files/resources/hm_in_the_local_congregation_20
10_3.pdf
Christian Perspective of
Health
People are integrated wholes: spiritual, physical,
intellectual, emotional, and social beings.
Key concept of holistic health: acknowledgement of
our interconnectedness to all aspects of ourselves
and of life (our relationship with God, others, and
creation).
Christian Perspective of
Health
Historically, the church was the authority on health
and healing.
However, as science advanced, the church’s role
faltered despite the similar goals of medicine and the
church.
An interest in reclaiming Christ’s full ministry of
healing and health resurged in the late 20th century.
Rev. Dr. Granger Westburg - the “Father” of Parish
Nursing and Health Ministry
Parish Nursing
A parish nurse is a Registered Nurse who works in a
faith community to address health issues of its
members and of the broader community.
A conscious partnering of HEALTH and FAITH of the
individual.
An intentional combining of ancient traditions of the
Christian community and the knowledge and tools of
modern medicine.
A parish nurse seeks to foster physical, emotional,
spiritual, and social wholeness leading to healthy,
healing, and whole relationships with God, people, and
creation.
Role of Parish Nurse
H: Health advisor
E: Educator on health
issues
A: Advocate or resource
person
L: Liaison to faith and
community resources
T: Teacher of volunteers
and developer of services
H: Healer of body, mind,
spirit, and community
Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry, 2005.
OR
C: Consultant
A: Advocate
R: Resource
E: Educator
S: Support
Parish Nursing at
Community
in
Christ
Health Ministry Team
Parish Nurses
Penny Zimmerman
Sue Papazian
Health Promoters (non-medical lay members)
Pastors
Volunteers
Church Members
Health Ministry at CIC
“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
Purpose: To intentionally and consciously integrate the
health and faith of our community so that individuals of
our community can realize abundant life.
Mission: To nurture the physical, mental, and spiritual
health of our faith community, fostering wholeness with
Christ as one’s central force, through prayer, counsel,
education, and referral.
Functions of the Health
Ministry Team
Prayer for health and spiritual needs of community.
Confidential counseling on illnesses, treatment plans,
medications, recovery, wound care, community
health resources, home care equipment.
medication reviews
blood pressure measurements
Collaboration with existing CIC ministries to
coordinate home and hospital visits for members.
Functions of the Health
Ministry Team
Classes, programs, or support groups regarding
health issues including teaching CPR, blood drives,
health fairs, etc.
Assisting families with end of life care by providing
advice, support, and guidance.
Providing resources to community services.
Assistance in communication with healthcare
professionals.
A Parish Nurse is NOT
A physician. You will not receive a medical diagnosis or
treatment.
A home health nurse or specialty therapist. You will not
receive injections, therapy, or wound care.
A pastor. We are not trained clergy, but do come with a
deep spiritual commitment.
Parish nurses do not duplicate services, rather
supplement existing health treatment plans.
Parish nurses do not replace current church ministries,
rather supplement and complement existing ministries.
When Might You Call on
the Parish Nurse?
When you are facing surgery or have started a new
medication.
When you are having difficulty dealing with a new or
complex diagnosis.
When you need help communicating with your health
care provider.
When you decide to make lifestyle changes and need
resources and encouragement.
When you are caring for a loved one at home and need
support.
When Might You Call on
the Parish Nurse?
When a family member has a chronic disease and
you are looking for information and community
resources to help you.
When you have concerns about a family member and
are not sure if they need a health referral.
When you have an idea for an educational program
that the church may benefit from.
Upcoming Events
Our new office.
Posted office hours and available appointment times.
Monthly focus bulletin.
Monthly newsletter focus on health.
Additional information and resources on CIC’s
website.
Upcoming congregational health needs assessment.
Resources library.
Thank you!
“‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and
you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you
welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I
was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you
visited me’. . . And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell
you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25: 35-36, 40