Flock Book
A Hospital Is Often Where a Family Remembers Their Pastor For the Rest of Their Lives. People May Forget Many Sermons, but They Do Not Forget Who Came and Sat With Them When They Were Afraid.
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 25:36 (KJV)
Before You Go
- Call the Family First. Ask Whether a Visit Is Welcome Today, and When.
- Check the Hospital’s Visiting Hours and Any Rules For the Ward.
- If You Have a Cold or an Infection, Do Not Go. Call Instead.
- Ask the Family What They Would Like You to Pray For.
While You Are There
Keep the Visit Short. Ten or Fifteen Minutes Is Usually Enough, Because Sick People Tire Quickly. Sit Down if You Can, So That You Are at Their Level and Do Not Seem in a Hurry. Listen More Than You Speak.
Greet the Nurses and Respect Their Work. If a Doctor Comes in, Offer to Step Outside. Do Not Ask About Details the Person Has Not Offered to Share, and Do Not Give Medical Advice.
What to Say, and What Not to Say
You Do Not Need a Clever Explanation For Suffering. Avoid “I know exactly how you feel” and “God must have a reason.” Instead, Say the Simple Things: “I am glad I could come.” “The church is praying for you.” “How are you today?” Then Let Them Talk.
Read and Pray
Read a Short Passage. A Psalm Is Often Just Right. Then Ask if You May Pray, and Pray Simply, by Name, For Healing, For Peace and For the Doctors and Nurses. Include the Family Member Sitting by the Bed, Who May Be More Exhausted Than the Patient.
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
James 5:14 (KJV)
After the Visit
This Is Where Many Pastors, With the Best Heart, Lose Track. Make a Short Note the Same Day, and Plan the Next Step:
- Who Will Visit Next, and When?
- Does the Family Need Meals, Transport or Help With Children?
- Does the Person Want to Be Named For Prayer in Church? Always Ask First.
- When They Go Home, Make One More Visit. The Weeks After Hospital Can Be Lonely.
Share the Visits
One Pastor Cannot Be at Every Bedside. Train Your Elders and Deacons to Visit, and Share the Work Across Your Team.
How Flock Book Helps
With Flock Book You Can Plan a Hospital Visit, Assign It to a Pastor Who Is Notified on Their Phone, and Record What Happened. The Next Person to Visit That Family Knows Where Things Stand. Please Keep Notes Respectful, and Do Not Record Private Medical Details.
