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Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank for “Kingdom Pastor” @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com
Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/church-be-like-hospice/
CHURCH, BE LIKE HOSPICE!
Posted on September 20, 2023 by Pastor Randy
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians Chapter 2, Verses 1 thru 4; from the New Living Translation (NLT)
Sometimes it’s inspiring; at other times it’s frustrating. What am I talking about? The Church! For some time now, The Spirit has been showing me what The Church should look like. And to our shame, Church, He has shown me what we should look like–through other groups. I’ve written how that I’ve seen more of Jesus in the motorcycle community than in some churches. And for the past few of days, He has shown me much about how the church should look and what we should do–through Hospice. That’s right! I said HOSPICE!
When I say this, what are you thinking? That the church should be a place that helps people to die? Well, you’re wrong–if that’s what you thought. And it is sad to think, that some churches act and live as if the church is a place for people waiting to die. If you think Hospice is all about helping people to die, then either you’ve had a bad Hospice group, been listening to what others (who don’t have a clue) say, or you simply don’t understand what Hospice Care is all about. It’s called Hospice Care, not Hospice Death! I’m writing today, not out of what I’ve heard from others or read in some brochure or advertisement. Nay! It’s out of my experience, and experience is The Best Teacher!
I’ve had two personal experiences with Hospice Care. The first was with my Dad. And now it’s with my sister-in-law. Debbie’s sister has been living with us for some time; I’ve lost count. She has COPD and a couple of weeks ago, I had to call 911 because of her breathing distress. While in the hospital, her Doctor suggested to her, and us, that perhaps it’s time for Hospice Care. And Sandy agreed. But get this–she’s not at death’s door! Then, why Hospice Care? And why now? And most of all, what does Hospice Care teach us about being The Body Of Christ? You ask great questions, readers; and I’ll give you some great answers.
When Sandy was discharged, and before she got home, Hospice was already here. And they were here with everything she needed; and if it wasn’t here, they made immediate arrangements to get it here. Lesson One Church: we need to be there for people with what they need! Don’t wait until they come to church (which seems to be the model many operate under)–be there for them. And to be there means we need to know them and their situation; just like Hospice.
Then, there was The Team! There was a variety of things needed–so there was a variety of people to see to those needs. She has a nurse, a nurse’s aide, a social worker, a chaplain, and volunteers who will come by just to visit. Each person does what they are equipped and trained to do. Each one asks, “Is there anything you need?” The Hospice Team is connected to each other–all parts working together! Lesson 2 Church: Offer what you have and what you are equipped with. No single person can do everything (even though many think their pastor can); let people see the many faces of The Body Of Christ. Oh, and don’t forget to just visit. Talking with and listening to people are two powerful tools in our toolbox.
And while The Hospice Team was working with Sandy, they were also working with us, the family. They were very emphatic that they were also here to help us in any way they could. We, the family, were included in their Focus! Each member of The Team focused and continues to focus, on us and any need that we may have. Lesson 3 Church: See the Big Picture. Hospice addresses the whole person, not the disease or condition. The lives of people are rarely, if ever, a single issue. Remember that there is more than one thing going on in a person’s life. Be open and ready to help in more than one way. Speaking of Focus. . .
Since day one, the Hospice Team has stated that they are not here to assist her to die–they are here to help her live! To live as fully and completely as she, and us, can in this season. Providing supplies, medical care, and whatever else she, and us, need in the moment. And whenever the moment comes, to help her, and us, make that transition from time to eternity as peaceful as possible. Lesson 3 Church: We are not here to prepare people to die–we are here to help people to live! There are some who think the church exists to help people to die. I call them Tenured Pew Sitters. The Church is not a lobby for people to wait until their flight is called. The Church is to be the place that helps people to live–and live to the fullest. It’s where we work together, play together, laugh together, and when it’s called for: to cry together.
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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
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