RESOURCES

FAITH AND HEALTH

The Lord says, “Do not be afraid–I will save you. I have called you by name–you are mine. ~Isaiah 43:1

Research points to the fact that there is a definite relationship between faith and health. People who go to church, and people who say their faith is important to them, are healthier in many aspects than those who profess no faith or religious ties. And prayer works–the research says so!

It may be important to remember, however, that faith and prayer are not “magic bullets,” to be prescribed like a pill to make our symptoms go away. By going to church, and by opening ourselves to God in prayer, we begin to discover that “curing” and “healing” may be different.

All the research in the world will not help us to totally understand God or the mystery of salvation. But research does allow us to see some of the results of walking with God. A paralyzed person who is healed and whole in spirit can have a healthy attitude. Someone with cancer who has meaning and purpose in life may increase life expectancy.

Inner healing may lead to physical cure, or it may not. We do know that a calmness of mind and spirit affects us physically. We can’t manipulate God to “make us all better,” but as we open ourselves to God and walk with God, we begin to realize that we are implicitly loved and accepted. God has called us by name, and transforms us inwardly by a change of heart. Transformation allows us to look at life in a different way. In appreciating life in all its fullness, no matter what our physical condition, we are healthy and whole indeed.

©2000 by Ronnette Sailors, Wholly Living Health Ministries, 2103 Pilgrim Drive, Bellevue 68123. This insert may be freely copied if the entire copyright statement is acknowledged.

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING

The divine spirit says, “I am making a new earth and new heavens…the new healing community I make will be full of joy, and her people will be happy…like trees, my people will live long lives.” ~ Isaiah 65:17-18, 22

What is a Faith Community Nurse (FCN)? 

Flowing from our congregation’s mission and vision, Faith Community Nurses (or Parish Nurses) strive to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages, advocate for excellent care for the sick, and encourage justice within healthcare.

What do FCNs do? 

FCNs are not hospital or home health nurses, and usually volunteer within the congregation. They recognize spiritual health is at the core of a person’s well-being, even if that person has a physical disease.  They can promote health and wholeness, provide health education, counseling and referrals, coordinate volunteers, and advocate for the congregation and community it serves.

What are example activities in a Ministry of Health?  Activities may include home visits, blood pressure screening, nutrition or diabetes education, walking or physical activity programs, grief support, prayer shawl ministries, healing services, individual and group advocacy.

Why nurses in a congregation? 

Caring, love, meaning, and purpose in life are basic to the tenets of our faith.  Our history is rooted in healing and wholeness.  We can broaden the definition of health far beyond a medical model—knowing that our faith affects our health, our choices, and our outlook on life.

OUR CONGREGATION WANTS TO MAKE THIS MINISTRY AVAILABLE.

For questions or comments, or if you are interested in joining this ministry, please call!

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