Page 47 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Tasks of Ministry 47

abide by their directives. Failure to do so results in less access to the patient and
added tension for the sufferer and family.
In addition to not being the focus of a hospital visit, the minister should be
conscious of the patient’s need for privacy by excusing him- or herself during the
doctor/patient discussions that may occur during the visit. This gives opportunity
to affirm that a minister should exercise great care and the utmost respect when
visiting a member of the opposite gender. Even when the hospital room door
is open, a minister should always knock and enter only when invited. Courtesy
should lead him or her to step out of the room when procedures are performed,
even simple ones. This, too, teaches respect for the patient and enhances the
respect for the minister as a spiritual leader.
Know Your Time
The minister should keep hospital visits brief. While one may stay with a
family in a waiting area for a great length of time, the time spent with the sufferer
should not be extended. The need for rest and the conservation of energy go a
long way toward recuperation for the patient. Later, visits can be made when the
patient is in a more permanent setting.
We have discussed how the time to step forward and lead is to be done with
care and wisdom because premature actions waste the minister’s efforts and
chance to comfort. The sufferer needs time to process the crisis and confront the
frightening emotions that come with it. Pushing for a quick audience with God
only reflects the minister’s agenda.
At the same time, the minister cannot delay too long in leading those present
into the presence of God. Sometimes the opportune moment is never retrieved. A
minister must understand the importance of his or her role and demonstrate that
knowledge in a timely response.
It is important for the minister to be sensitive to the work of the medical
personnel in timing his or her actions. For example, the minister may want to ask
the attending nurse, “Would now be a good time for us to pray?” This allows the
medical personnel to indicate their immediate plans so the minister can respond
accordingly. Showing such respect will typically yield the return of that respect.
Know Your Sheep

13 Why is listening an Through simple conversation, one can learn much about what an individual is
effective skill in hospital thinking and feeling. While a minister should have a plan when conducting any type
visitation? of visit, good listening will help put that plan into effect. If the congregation is large
and the minister is less acquainted with the patient, good listening skills are of greater
value; otherwise, the visit becomes impersonal and ineffective. In this instance, the
patient’s smaller group minister, such as the Sunday school or Bible school teacher
or minister might be the visitation leader. Remember that in a medical crisis, the
individual is looking for a personal connection and genuine compassion.

14 Which of the guidelines Summary
may be the most difficult for
you to follow? Hospital visitation may provide the minister with some of the most intimate
opportunities for life-changing ministry. Therefore, a minister should be well-
prepared. Such preparation includes knowing the targets for the various types
of visits and developing good habits in visitation. A minister’s visit should
uplift in every possible way and bring comfort to what may be an otherwise
uncomfortable time. Armed with an accurate understanding of God’s revelation
concerning sickness and a clear sense of his or her role to help the sufferer seek
God’s will, the minister can make a significant difference.