Part of sharing life with your Community Group will eventually lead you through the doors of a hospital. If you’re not accustomed to spending time in hospitals, you may feel nervous or even awkward about visiting a group member. Instead of waiting until they get home, don’t waste the opportunity to offer comfort and encouragement right away. Here are some pointers before you head to the hospital.
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Ask first – call the patient or immediate family to understand if making a physical visit is appropriate.
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Take someone from your Community Group with you. Consider it a good training and good team ministry opportunity.
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Plan to stay less than 15 minutes.
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Read Scripture. Have several passages prepared before you arrive.
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Leave a note or card. Include your contact info, encouragement, and a short note that provides proof of presence.
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Be respectful to medical staff. Stay out of their way and don’t challenge the way they do their job.
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Don’t ask too many personal medical questions.
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Pray for the patient and ask if they would like to pray.
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Represent Christ, Christians, and your church to those who don’t know Jesus.
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Talk about things other than their medical condition – life highlights, family, relationships, memories, goals, etc.
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