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."
-Peter Rogness, Former Bishop of the 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

2025 Grants to Congregations
... for Ministry Start-up or a New or Expanded Ministry in Existing Practices

LFCNA has long been supportive of new Faith Community Nurse (FCN) ministry start-ups and are acutely aware of the challenging financial situations of congregations. In response to this need, LFCNA will again provide funds for start-up of a new ministry or development of a new focus of ministry in an existing FCN practice, for three (3) Lutheran congregations in 2025. Congregations may request up to $750.00 in grant funding. 

CLICK HERE for the Grant Announcement

CLICK HERE for the Application

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.

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

A PowerPoint Presentation: A Parish Nurse/ Faith Community Nurse and Health Ministry for your Faith Community

The outreach committee has developed a PowerPoint presentation that offers information to congregations about what a Faith Community/Parish Nursing ministry can offer. This is available for your use, but if you wish to have assistance with a presentation to your congregation, please contact us at lutheranfcna@gmail.com and we'll make every effort to locate an FCN who can help with a presentation. 

POWERPOINT LINK: Click Here

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  Advocate Health Care. 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 LFCNA 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.