What I’d Like to Tell The Pastor About Living with Illness

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If you had the opportunity to sit down and really share about your pain, what would you tell the pastor of your church about your chronic illness and daily pain? Lisa Copen Living with chronic illness is lonely. Everyone around us seems to be enjoying health, happiness, and the ability to at least pursue their dreams. But many of us feel lonely, scared, and disappointed. We are faced with so many insecurities and we are living with an illness that we have not been able to pray away, cry away, or confess away. So we turn to our church for guidance, for acceptance, for unconditional support during the most difficult time in our life. But churches are made up of people—all of us imperfect. And our church does not always give us … [Read more...]

Parish Nurse Resources

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Many churches now have what they call a parish nurse. This page is to provide information on parish nursing and links to resources for them. The goal of the parish nurse: It is to minister holistically to individuals and families, in and through the faith community, using her health education and spiritual maturity to promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit. As health issues become a greater concern for most of our population, the idea of having a parish nurse in congregations has become more appealing. They help with health concerns, visit ill people (sometimes for the social support) and make sure no one falls through the cracks. Parish nursing is a care program of lay leaders from the nursing profession, who serve to … [Read more...]

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A HopeKeepers Prayer

Creator, Almighty One, May today there be peace within each of us. May we trust that You are have called us to be here & that this is where we are meant to be. May You help us to remember the infinite possibilities that are born of faith, not only in You, but in ourselves & those around us. May we, even in our brokenness, use the gifts that You have given us, & pass on the hope & love that we find in Your presence. May You teach us to be content with ourselves just the way we are & to recognize You in everyone we meet & in all creation. Lord, let the wisdom & grace You provide settle into our bones, & allow our souls the freedom to sing, dance, praise, hope & love even when our bodies ache. Grant us the grace & underst&ing to share … [Read more...]

Christian & Interfaith Caregiver Resources

Stephen Ministries They offer courses & ministry systems to fit the needs of every congregation & adult education ministry. Lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, & others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps pastors enhance caring ministry by ensuring that quality follow-up care is available for as long as it is needed. Illness-Disability-Healthcare-Caregiver Ministry Network Join this social networking group developed by Rest Ministries to get to know others who have the same passions for caregiver ministry. Equipping to Encourage Dedicated to helping people provide … [Read more...]

Facebook for Pastors – Free Ebook

Is your pastor on Facebook? Or are you not yet on Facebook & wondering what it could offer you? Here is a great way to be introduced to Facebook from a ministry outreach perspective. Chris Forbes, founder of Ministry Marketing Coach, speaks & writes on the subjects of ministry marketing, faith-based nonprofit marketing, social marketing, & Guerrilla Marketing for nonprofits. He has written a 31 page e-book called Facebook for Pastors to help pastors & other ministry leaders make the most of Facebook as a great networking tool. And shows how to build relationships & connect with people. Tips included in this book are: How to make the most of your profile information Tips for Networking with People in Facebook All about … [Read more...]

Survey Shows Few Pastors “Deal with” the Mentally Ill

A survey of 1,031 United Methodist pastors in Indiana & Virginia was done in 2000. We know the study is not recent, but very few studies like this exist. This study from Indiana University East & Ball State University showed that United Methodist pastors agree the church "should become more involved in education about mental illness & families affected by the disease, but few deal with the mentally ill on a regular basis." Joan LaFuze, the medical physiologist & professor at IU East who initiated the survey was not surprised by the results. She & her husb& are life-long Methodists & they have a son who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1981. A year later their daughter diagnosed with panic disorder. "I can't describe what … [Read more...]