Page 45 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Tasks of Ministry 45

The Preparation Visit

10 How is the preparation visit The preparation visit lacks some of the trauma of the crisis visit, but it is not
different from the crisis visit? without trepidation. This visit is needed when surgery or some other medical
procedure is about to take place. It can also occur when test results are to be received.
The preparation visit is for those times characterized by anticipated uncertainty.
When you care for the sick in such moments:
• Allow the individuals to express thoughts and feelings without being
judgmental of their fears. One can have faith in God and still express
concern for the moment. Faith is not a complete absence of fear, but the
demonstration of trust that is greater than fear.
• Allow the individual to help shape your ministry effort. You may wish
to read one of the sufferer’s favorite passages of Scripture or even sing a
favorite chorus of praise. Your role is to help the patient express his or her
heart to God as well as offer your own faith on behalf of the need.
• Pray with confidence of God’s control and the desire for His will above all
else. Just as Jesus did in Gethsemane, you should express the patient’s will
but demonstrate confidence in whatever result God will bring.
• Provide an opportunity for the salvation of an unbeliever. You can open
this door without implying that the surgery may not turn out well.
The Recovery Visit
The recovery visit takes place after the crisis has eased or the anticipated event
is over. This is the visit after surgery or when a patient has been moved from the
emergency room to an extended care location. The most urgent moment has passed.
In this visit:
• Focus on thanksgiving and trust. While all questions may not be answered
or all the news may not be good, give thanks to God for His help and for
the strength to face the treatment and recovery that lie ahead.
• As always, give the sufferer opportunity to express thoughts and feelings.
The minister’s role is different from that of friends and family. The
minister can operate as counselor to the deeper issues of a person’s heart
if the person desires. Do not force the patient to share feelings but be
available for such ministry opportunity.
• If the patient is an unbeliever, express confidence that God has helped so
far, and He is available to help in all areas of life. Do not be forceful, but
use this time to help an individual understand the nature of God’s love and
His desire for relationship.
The Maintenance Visit
Some illnesses and the treatments they necessitate require additional
visitation. This visit differs as the emotional needs of the sufferer may have
moved from shock or some other intensity to more long-term responses like
depression and frustration, with the inability to get back to normal living.
In the maintenance visit:

11 Why might you need to • Be an encourager. Do not disregard the individual’s suffering or
focus on bringing hope? frustration, but do not add to it either. Demonstrate your confidence in God
and bring brightness to the visit. Though some individuals may not share
your hope, they need you to bring it.