Definition
Lay Health Ministry serves congregations by providing opportunities to promote healthy relationships with self, others and God. Lay health ministers promote healthy behavior for all ages through education, program offerings, resources, and being a listening presence.

History
Models of practice for health ministers are varied and designed to suit multiple needs of faith communities in service to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, or divorced. Lay health ministers are dedicated to extending the love of God through a caring presence providing support to individuals and families.

The umbrella organization for practicing health ministers is the Health Ministries Association (HMA). At present a workgroup for lay health ministry is considering a draft of potential practice definitions and standards. The Lay Health Ministries Network of the HMA defines itself as “people of faith working together for healthier communities”.

Standards of Practice
The many programs providing formal training in health ministry outside of the Faith Community Nurse curriculum, also require dedication and commitment to standards of confidentiality and ethical considerations. Stephen Ministries, Befrienders and CareTeams are among some of the well established health ministry training programs for the laity.