At some point in your life, you will, no doubt, have an opportunity to minister to someone who is terminally ill. the person may be a family member or a friend. He or she may be a colleague at work.
Do you know how to handle such situations?
You can’t say, “Well, that’s the pastor’s job.“ Yes and no. Certainly pastors have a responsibility to serve in such ways.
But we have it all been called into the ministry. We have all been called to share the good news. We have all been called to bring comfort, hope, and light into desperate, dark, and despairing times in the lives of the people we know.
And you may be there before the pastor arrives. It’s important to share before it’s too late.
When visiting someone on their deathbed...
From Kirby Winstead, a clinical chaplain and hospice grief counselor who deals with these situations virtually every day.
“Some turnkey phrases to use when ministering to the terminally ill:
1. "Everyone has a belief system. Help me understand how your beliefs are helping you thru this difficult time.
2. "Have you made spiritual preparations for the end of your life? Tell me about them.
3. "May I share with you what the Bible says?”
This is some solid advice from Pastor Winstead.
In addition, I was taught to ask the terminally ill, “Is there any unfinished business between you and God? How might I help?” That has been a helpful, go-to tool for me. It might also be good to ask, “Is there any unfinished business between you and anyone else?“
And never forget to go “prayed up,” abiding in Christ, and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
May God use us in these crisis situations to bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.
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