I work as a chaplain, which in the hospice setting, means I am to assess and address the spiritual needs of patients. On the surface it sounds like a tremendous opportunity to do the Lord's work (and it really is). However, I often find that I lag way behind many of the nurses and social workers in getting to that private space where serious spiritual discussions occur. Why? It has a lot to do with building rapport, sometimes referred to as joining. The nurses and social workers are meeting very practical and concrete needs of the patients. Patients appreciate that. It so happens that many of the nurses and social workers I work with are deeply committed Christians. Therefore, they take any opportunity available to address the spiritual concerns patients share with them. And quite often, patients do share concerns with them.
As a chaplain, I am, in a way, handicapped! I am free from the responsibility to meet medical or legal needs so to devote myself fully to patient's spiritual concerns. However, patients are more interested in sharing their spiritual concerns with one they have learned to trust in the process of having practical needs met.
I cannot change the structure of the role of chaplain versus nurse or social worker in the hospice setting, but I can allow this to impact how I reach out privately. I have been giving much thought to how to better reach out to our community. Rather than think first of what a person needs to know about Jesus, or to which service I might invite them, a better thought is what need can I meet.
As a community of faith striving to reach our larger community for Christ, I believe there is great utility in working with this concept of need-meeting. I realize that this is not a new idea, yet, there is a definite need to further our thinking along these lines. Our benevolence ministry is handled by a few folks and it is fundamentally an impersonal, financial-assistance type ministry. Nurses and social workers (at least in a hospice setting) spend much time with patients in a colloborative effort, addressing patient-centered needs. It is out of this context that they come upon rare spiritual opportunities long before this chaplain ever gets there.
Time is the great sacrifice. Time is our greatest commodity. Time is often the last thing we are willing to surrender to the Lord.
I have no great answers or insights here. I, too, am too busy. I suppose that it is progress when at least we can see our problem for what it is.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Time for need-meeting?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Jason,
I definately agree with you. It is so important to build relationships with people in the community,find out what their needs are, and then meet those needs. Yes, this is time consuming, but I beleive it is the best way to bring people to Christ. People are brought to Christ when they see Christ shining through us.
Jason, I totally understand what you're getting at with this post. What I posted below this about Stacey Lyles is a prime example. God met a serious need and used us to pray for Stacey. As a result, I sense that her mom is now more open to hearing about the Lord. You know I'm reminded of a story that Serena told about when the flood happened to our community in 1997. Steve was working side-by-side with those affected, while at least one other minister was preaching at the victims. Obviously Steve was the one showing Christ to those people. You're onto something here. Thanks for the post. (Steve, I hope I remembered that story correctly.)
Jason,
I worked in home health care for a few years. You are correct about the health care workers getting in the private space where spiritual discussions can occur. Health care workers have an wonderful opportunity to show Christ's love through the quality of care we give. Therefore, opening up doors for spiritual discussion.
I have heard of the wonderful work you are doing in your job as chaplain. You have a huge heart and a Great Love for Christ. If given the opportunity to get your foot in the door, I am sure you will Shine!!!
Jason,
I agree with your observations about our time and service to people helping our testimonies to be heard.
I know this isn't where you are going with your post, but for anyone interested, Hospice also accepts volunteers. Volunteers are trained and matched with individual patients to meet basic needs for errands, companionship, reading the Bible or newspaper, etc. No medical training or personal care is involved, just giving of yourself and your time. There might be some among us who are interested in service to these families and building relationships with people. And who knows where that could lead?
Kristi
Jason - I believe that God has guided you into a occupation where you can be of tremendous help spiritually, emotionally and physically to people in all walks of life. I am thankful to God that we have you out there in this field (hospice is a wonderful program). I will pray for you and your successes. Love You - Irmalee
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
A good example of a needs driven church is Rochester Church of Christ. They have done a wonderful job meeting the needs of the people in their community, and many have turned to Jesus because of their efforts. You can learn more about the ministries of Rochester at rochestercoc.org and patrickmead.net/tentpegs.
Jason,
You've been to my home twice to visit mother who is under Hospice care. I know I look forward to your visits too. She commented on what a nice young man you are and that it was unusual for someone your age to be interested in "old" people. Keep up the good work--you're doing a wonderful job and we certainly appreciate having you in Hospice; everyone on the Hospice team has been wonderful and I don't know what I'd do without them.
Sharon Gampp
Post a Comment