Faith Community Nurse & Health Minister Role
What is a faith community nurse (FCN)?
Faith community nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing, endorsed by the American Nurses Association, that focuses on intentional care of the spirit. A faith community nurse (FCN) is a registered nurse who is actively licensed, serves as a member of the staff of a faith community, and has specialized education in integrating faith and health.
What is a health minister?
A health minister is anyone other than an FCN or religious leader—usually a health professional or strong lay leader with educational preparation in holistic ministry—who feels called to health ministry. Professional health or ministry background is not required to be a health minister.
What do FCNs and health ministers do?
FCNs and health ministers serve as leaders within faith communities to build on and strengthen the capacity of individuals and families to become stewards of their health as guided by their faith tradition. Each FCN or health minister uniquely serves their congregation based on identified needs. FCNs and health ministers are fully supported in their role by ministerial leadership and a health team—vital keys to maintaining a sustainable program.
Services or programs an FCN or health minister might offer include:
- Access to health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density)
- Health education programs (fitness, chronic disease, mental well-being, CPR, advance directives)
- Health information (bulletin inserts, newsletter articles, bulletin boards and displays)
- Advocacy for individuals in the health care system
- Referrals to community health resources
- Visitation to homes, nursing homes and hospitals
- Spiritual support and listening presence
FCNs and health minsters DO NOT:
- Provide clinical hands-on care. Instead, they make referrals to agencies that provide direct care.
- Replace other ministries. They serve to complement the work of faith community leaders and teams.
Contact Us
For more information, Call 301-754-7066, email FCNprogram@HolyCrossHealth.org, or sign up to join our network.