Discerning God's Call for Parish Nursing (and everyone else!)

Here are some questions to ask yourself:*How do you define a "call?"
*What does a call mean to or for you?
*Why did you initially become a nurse? Did you have what you define as a call at that time?
*Why did you choose your specific area (or if your like me, your various areas) of nursing?
*Why have you decided you want to pursue parish nursing now?
*How is your call different now than it was when you first became a nurse?

Let's first consider what a call is...

"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:1-4)

Simon Peter...fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!"...Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." (Luke 5:8,10)

When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." (Matthew 9:11-13)

Other scriptural references concerning call are:

Calling to a life of holiness/being set apart - 1 Timothy 1:9
Calling to be His people - 1 Peter 2:9
Calling to be His disciples and followers of Jesus - Matthew 28:18-20
Calling to love God, others and self - Matthew 22:37-39, Mark 12:29-31
Calling to serve one another - John 13:15, 34-35; Galatians 5:13
Calling to preach, teach and heal - Luke 9:1-3
Calling to minister - Isaiah 61:1-3
Calling to bear fruit - John 15:16, Galatians 5:16, 22-23
The Call of Moses - Exodus 3-4:17
Also see II Corinthians 10:18

In the book The Nurse's Calling by Mary Elizabeth O'Brien, she says, "Nursing is a call to a working partnership with God, with Christ, and a working partnership with your patients..." She relates biblical teachings, especially those of Jesus, to her "calling" as a nurse. She specifically examines the healing activities of Jesus, the concept of Christ as a role model in caring for the sick, and the Old Testament's theme of covenant (God's commitment to care for his people).

She uses descriptors in regards to nurses that have spiritual underpinnings:
cup of cold water ministry
gift-givers
treasure in earthen vessels
anonymous ministers
ministry of presence
blessing
wound healer (Henri Nouwen)

THE CALL

What is a call? It is hearing God's voice, intently listening to what he is saying, and then following. It is about stilling yourself and obedience. Karaban states that at the heart of a call to ministry is the story of an encounter between an individual and God. Buber would probably say it is being obedient to the "I-Thou" encounter.

A call is individual and unique. It is not so much an invitation as a command. For me personally, it was not something I had planned. It did not make sense for a person of my age or income. Though there was a feeling of excitement (I like change), I did not embrace it with total joy because I knew there would be hardship. Yet I knew this call could not be ignored. I did not have a say in it--God chose the time, place, need, and plan. I didn't know all of those things ahead of time, and still do not know where this journey will lead. But it is about obedience; following without knowing the results; going even if you do not feel ready. The response to God's call may be sacrificial, be entirely dependent upon faith, be far out of your comfort zone, and may take you away from home.

How does God call?

• May put a particular vision or concern on one's heart and mind
• Directly through dreams, pain and discouragement, or other people
• May be clear, vague, over time, journey, and can be resisted
• May manifest as a desire to do what we feel educated/trained to do or want to do-such as a desire to minister to the whole person instead of just their disease or injury
• Desire to use one's gifts and talents 

God does not necessarily call the prepared, but rather, prepares the called. If you are called to something you do not feel prepared for, God will find a way, you will not have to.

One note of caution regarding hearing God's call through other people. Obviously, God can speak through those around us. However, everyone has an agenda, and there are personalities who, if they pray for something and "hear" an answer, have no problems telling you what you are called to or not called to because God told them through their own prayer. You must discern God's call. No one else can discern God's call for you. Do not be dissuaded by those who say you have no calling to a particular ministry. God will find a way around these people, but it will discourage and sidetrack you. Keep your eyes focused upon the One who calls, not the ones who claim to interpret your call for you!

Why is call important?

• It either sustains us or causes us to give up. It provides perseverance through the difficult times.
• It is assurance for a working partnership, that provides empowerment, strength and courage through God's own power and grace
• It allows us to be where God is at work, and we become part of God's plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
• It provides a sense of understanding that you are where you are "supposed" to be - you are a "round peg in a round hole"
• If you have heard God's call correctly you will experience change, growth and fulfillment in your ministry.
• The biggest reason - Ministry is too hard to forge ahead without a call. The rewards and affirmations are often too few and far between, and discouragements too great, because even though we minister among Christians, most ministers realize that Christians can be the most difficult people of all to serve. That's because most of us have an idealized understanding of what a Christian should be and how we should act. No one lives up to that ideal because we are all human. When the pettiness rears its ugly head, discouragement follows. Only a true call will be enough to keep you going through those times of trial and doubt. 

Some questions concerning God's call are:

1. Are you hearing God or are you hearing yourself?
2. Are you listening accurately?
3. Will you be "harmed" in some way? I do not believe God wants us to destroy ourselves because we cannot follow him if we injure our own physicality, emotional, mental or spiritual health.
4. What will it do to your family? I believe God cares about our families for our family is a gift from a loving God.  

Final thoughts about call 

 

Be certain it is God's call.
Be confident in God's power.
Be comfortable with God's plan.

 

References:
Carson, V.B. and H.G. Koenig. Parish Nursing: Stories of Service and Care. Philadelphia: Templeton Foundation Press, 2002.
O'Brien, M.E. The Nurse's Calling. New York: Paulist Press, 2001.
Samaritan Counseling Center. Notes from Parish Nursing Certification Class. Lancaster, PA: 2008.
Shelly, J.A. and A.B. Miller. Called to Care: A Christian Theology of Nursing. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1999.