A friend, Phil, in Kirkville wrote me that he was joining a ministry of nursing home visitation. I thought my comments to him, might be of encouragement to others too. So here they are as a post.
May God bless you in your new ministry venture, Phil, and all like you who minister in nursing homes. It is a ministry of love just to talk to isolated people there. I served as a chaplain in one during my seminary days so I know from experience how lonely some people are and how difficult others are to communicate with. The first job of the visitor is just to show love by being present and caring about the person genuinely. Most people they see are there to do a job. Then, after you have listened to them, by listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you will find openings to talk about your own journey of faith and that will open doors to talk about their spiritual journey or spiritual emptiness too. Offering to read Scripture or pray for them or for loved ones if they would like often provides openings too.
Nursing home visitation definitely fits in with the ministries Jesus was talking about in Mt 25:37-40 NIV. It might not be mentioned but it has the same characteristics. 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’