The Tower of Babel

There are a number of denominational statements about the complimentary nature of nursing and ministry suggesting a match made in heaven. Both need to be bilingual if team ministry is to succeed in day to day existence, but it is not succeeding everywhere. Differing insights, values and response tendencies (accrued through careful study, and channeled instruction) offer expanded awareness and “whole parishioner” support.  Lighter burdens and mutual growth result bilaterally.

Patience, trust, dialogue and adaptability are needed for team ministry to succeed. They are worth the investment. Nurses can grow into a more informed understanding of spiritual aspects of healing, and how to be silently present. They can be taught to refrain from being “fixers” (in time). Clergy can grow in their awareness of how anxiety is mitigated by tending to practical concerns.