This week I shared a list of possible questions for hospital visits and other conversations with the team of Congregational Care Ministers with whom I work. Congregational Care Ministers are trained volunteers who assist a pastor in caring for the congregation. I want to share them with you and get your feedback on what you like, don’t like and other questions that you have found to be helpful in pastoral conversation.
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What was it like to hear what the doctor told you?
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What are your hopes?
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What are your fears?
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Where is God in all this?
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What in your faith would be helpful for you right now?
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What would God say to you if God was right here at the end of the hospital bed (or sitting right here with us)?
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We have talked about a lot (or I just prayed about a lot of things right now), what was most meaningful for you?
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As a congregational care minister, is there anything that would be helpful for you right now?
How do these questions make you feel? What other suggestions do you have?
Rev. Andrew Conard 