The local congregation is central to Christ-centered hospice care. It is in the context of a loving congregation that Christian's bear the burdens of one another, and enter into the experience of suffering together (Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 12:26). “Above all things,” says the apostle Peter, we are to “have fervent love for one another,” be hospitable to each other, and use the gifts we have received from God to care for one another (1 Peter 4:8-10).
The most important healthcare team the pastor may be a part of is the hospice team. State and federal regulations recognize the importance of spiritual care at the end of life, so they require that all hospice programs provide spiritual care to their patients. The pastor has an open door to fill this role, and he should initiate this role immediately in the interest of the dying member and his or her family.
The pastor will need to explain his role clearly to the hospice team members. The core team members will include a physician, nurse, aides, social worker, and chaplain. Most, if not all, of the communication will occur through the nurse, but the other team members may be present as well. The pastor should explain the following. First, the congregation he serves will assist the dying member and his or her family with their social needs (i.e., visitation, meals, breathers, etc.). Second, he will provide all the necessary counseling for them, as well as the bereavement follow-up (see Pastoral Counseling at End of Life). Third, he will work with the other hospice team members in place of the hospice chaplain to assist in the spiritual care of the dying member and the family.
The pastor also has the responsibility of integrating the congregation into the hospice team. First, the pastor needs to notify the diaconal team (if the congregation has one). The diaconal team will be able to assess the mercy and hospitality needs of the dying member and his or her family. Needs may include, but are not limited to, providing meals, setting up a visitation schedule, providing funds, providing breaks for family members, etc. Second, the pastor needs to pray publicly for the dying member and the family in specific ways. Prayer should occur during corporate worship and weekly prayer meetings. Third, the dying person and the person’s family should be discussed at each elder and deacon meeting. These discussions must include, but are not limited to, such topics as (1) how the dying member and the family are doing spiritually and physically; (2) what kind of assistance the church is giving—specifically, at what level the congregation is involved, whether the assistance is disseminated wisely, and what further assistance is needed; (3) what the hospice team is doing and how the integration is working; and (4) what the plan ahead is for the time of death, funeral arrangements, and bereavement follow-up for family members and friends.
The CHCF website will provide helpful material to guide the pastor, local congregation, family and terminally ill person in addressing these and other important issues.
