Perspective from the Pastor and the Faith Community

Abstract

While the pragmatic reasons for appointing a faith community nurse may seem attractive, the theological rationale for the practice has not always been appreciated by faith communities. It may take the leadership and people in the pew some time to understand the thinking behind the focus on whole person health and the mission value of appointing a faith community nurse. This chapter explores the belief that health is a gift from God to be experienced by all and shared as an essential part of the gospel message. Included are insights from a research project that looked at the effect of parish nursing on the mission of a church. This research describes the application of the principles of parish nursing from the perspective of the pastor and members. This chapter aims to show how valuable the practice can be in the mission activities of a church and suggests a way in which it can be sustained and supported.