EFCA Parish NursingChrist cared for the whole person and healed people of their sins (spiritually), their broken bodies (physical) and their fears (mind). Since the first century the church has played an essential part of the healing and caring of people. The first church assigned deacons and deaconesses to continue caring for those needs. Across the centuries the church grew various caring ministries and hospitals to further address the needs of the whole person. Beginning of Health Ministries in churches and the Parish Nurse MovementWithin the last 10-15 years health professionals and churches have recognized the interrelationship between a person's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being and the need for the church to reclaim its call by God to care for the whole person. The EFCA first recognized the need for this type of ministry in the article "Bringing Health to the Church" (Beacon, Oct. 1996). Parish Nursing is a health education and health promotion program that enables nurses who are member of local congregations to minister in their churches and reach out to the community by utilizing their professional skills. Parish NursingParish nursing is the fastest growing specialty area in nursing. The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed the Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice in 1996 and revised them in 1998 stating, "Parish nursing is a unique, specialized practice of professional nursing that focuses on the promotion of health with in the context of the values, beliefs and practices of a faith community, and its mission and ministry to its members and the community it serves." To qualify to become a parish nurse, the nurse must
NetworkingPresently, we are in the process of
To join the EFCA National Health and Caring Ministries/Parish Nursing Network, please contact Paula Lilja with your information and/or questions. Paula Lilja, RN DNSc |
ContactPaula Lilja, RN DNSc |