What does a Faith Community Nurse bring to a congregation?

"There has been a rapid rise in the number of parish nurses in the congregations of our church. I believe that is because their value has touched a nerve – the intersection of physical care and spiritual care has shown us that these are not separate arenas, but are integrated in the care of the whole person our Lord calls us to practice. We have people of faith, trained in nursing care, who are well equipped to bring this ministry into the life of the church."
- Bishop Peter Rogness, Former ECLA St. Paul Area Synod

"A parish nurse program complements and fills out a comprehensive pastoral care strategy for a congregation and its community."
- Rev. Craig Johnson

We are so grateful to have our parish nurse at St. Philip the Deacon.  Her creative energy, passion for health and deep faith help us to reach out to more people in new ways.  We are so thankful for the grant, which has helped us to meet the needs of this large faith community.  Pastor Cheryl Mathison

Grants Available for 
Faith Community Nurse Ministries

LFCNA has long been supportive of faith community nurse ministry start-ups and are acutely aware of the challenging financial situations of congregations. In response to this need, the LFCNA will annually provide funds for start-up of a new ministry or development of a new focus area in an existing faith community nursing ministry, for up to two (2) Lutheran congregations. Congregations can request up to $750.00 in grant funding.  The next application deadline for grant applications is March 15, 2024.

For more information send an email to lutheranfcna@gmail.com with your questions.  

We are pleased to be able to award these grants to promote and support faith community nurse ministry.

Click here for the application form

 

William's Wishes
William's Wishes seeks to seed the development of new faith-based Health Ministries and Parish Nurse (also called Faith Community Nurse) programs, and to provide sustainability for those faith-based Health Ministries and Parish Nurse programs who are desirous of expanding the scope of their ministries.  Through this mission, William's Wishes hopes to increase the number of individuals who receive the benefits of such programs and experience wholeness in mind, body, and spirit even when a cure may not be available. Matching grants of up to $1000 are available upon application.  email:  williamswishes@gmail.com

 Contact

For information about parish nursing, mentoring assistance from experienced Parish Nurses, or for more information on beginning a health ministry in your church contact Carol DeSchepper, Executive Director: lutheranfcna@gmail.com

Videos

• Parish Nursing at Peace Lutheran Church Ft. Myers, Florida.   https://vimeo.com/147246222
• The Spirit of Healing: Faith Community Nursing, A Specialty Practice of Nursing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI5vbY8hCC.  Produced by  AdvocateHealthCare. Published on Jan 23, 2018

Other Helpful Articles

Love and Serving: Faith Community Nurses Care for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Faith Community Nurses promote health and wellness in congregations and also at churchwide and synod gatherings.  https://www.livinglutheran.org/2023/09/love-and-service/

Leading a Congregation Through Change
 This is very helpful article, written by Carol DeSchepper, our ELPNA Executive Director.  A must read for any congregation considering introducing a Parish/Faith Community Nurse Program. Click here to read the article

For more information from experienced Faith Community Nurses or for speakers on beginning a health ministry in your congregation, contact Carol DeSchepper, Executive Director or Lucina Kimpel, President at lutheranfcna@gmail.com

Click Here to download our Brochure: How to Call a Faith Community Nurse to Serve Your Congregation

Sample Installation Services for Parish Nurses

There are samples of three installations services when you click on the above title.  This will allow you to quickly access all and choose what would best fit your congregation, or maybe combine ideas from more than one.