MINISTERING TO THE SICK IN THE HOSPITAL

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).  The Greek word for "visit" means, "to inspect, to relieve."  What James is saying to us today is that we are to inspect and relieve the troubles of those in need.  We as Christians are to be a minister.  Paul extends this to everyone he wrote, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

How do I go about this ministry?  Well, I have some suggestions to help you as you minister to the sick and needy.  This first article will be about visiting the hospitals.  The following is not exhaustive by any means but will give you a starting point as to the how.

Before You Go...

• Cooperate with the hospital staff
• Avoid visiting between 8-10:30am due to doctor's rounds and tests.  Also, the patient is very worn out in the early morning hours.
• Honor "No Visiting" signs and leave a note for the patient at the nurse's station.
• Always knock before entering - especially if the door is closed.

During the Visit...

• Be cheerful but not fake.
• Do not let your face or voice show alarm at what you see.
• Bring a little something for the patient if you can.
• Stand or sit where the patient can see you without straining.
• Do not stand with a bright light behind you.
• Do not sit on the bed and be very careful not to bump the bed.
• Speak to everyone in the room but place your focus on the patient.
• Speak in a normal tone never raise your voice or yell.
• Never talk about the patient as if he/she is not present.
• Remember that the patient is not himself/herself. He/She may be cranky or irritable because of pain.
• Listen to them.  Don't do all the talking.
• Do not talk about depressing subjects.
• Do not talk about yourself unless asked by the patient.
• Do not give a false hope. 
• Be optimistic.
• Do not play the part of the doctor or criticize treatment
• If a nurse or doctor walks in the room offer to step out
• Do not stay longer then 5-15 minutes unless the patient is lonely and asks you to stay.
• Do not promise what you cannot deliver
• Always offer to say a prayer with him/her.
• If appropriate, leave with a smile and let the patient and family know that you are praying for him/her.
• Offer the patient's family a phone number so they can give you updates on the patient's condition or needs that the family and/or patient might have.

Let us continue to be a Minister with a Message...