Visit the Sick: Ministering God’s Grace in Times of Illness

Ministering The Master's Way

by Brian Croft, Mark Dever (Foreword)

One of the marks of the ministry of Jesus was his compassionate care for the sick. Jesus brought healing and hope to individuals struggling with life-debilitating illnesses. Ministry to the sick should also be a mark of his followers, but in many churches today it is neglected or pushed to the periphery of ministry concerns. To counter our modern tendency to minimize or ignore sickness, pastor Brian Croft looks to paradigms of the past, at historical models of care that honor God, obey Scripture, and communicate loving care to those who are struggling with sickness and disease. Part of the Practical Shepherding series of resources, Visit the Sick provides pastors and ministry leaders with practical help to do the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. Visit the Sick provides biblical, theological, pastoral, and practical tools that aid a pastor, church leader, or caregiver in navigating through the spiritual as well as physical care of the sick and dying.

Genres: Church, Theology, Christian, Christian Living

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

Brian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.

Reviews

[Brian Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small, very practical guide for pastors and lay people who want to know how to care for the sick in their congregations. The abridged JC Ryle essay in the appendix is a great addition of theological "meat" to this little book.

[Anthony Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short theological and practical primer for visiting folks who are sick, particularly in the hospital. I appreciated that he doesn't jump straight to application and examples, but establishes the practice firmly in the Bible.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you consider care for the sick an essential activity for Christ followers? Do you have a theology that is sturdy enough to shine even in the darkness of those on the brink of death? Do you think to pop a few breath mints before you go and pray with someone on their sickbed?
This book presents a concise, Biblical and practical guide for caring for the sick in Christ’s name and strength. While Croft’s many years of experience as a pastor as well as being the son of a doctor provide ample material for practical advise, it is the Biblical foundation that Croft lays prior to discussing the practical implications of that foundation that is the real strength of this book. Too often books either expound on Scripture and theology but never make practical demands from that theology, or even worse, start with the pragmatic and then search for prooftexts in Scripture to give weight to opinions. Croft does an excellent job of letting his practical exhortations flow from the Word of God, both from specific texts on caring for the sick and dying and from the metanarratives of Scripture. Above all he shows that caring for the sick is about the Gospel.
This book was a great reminder of the essential ministry of caring for the physical needs of people as well as a great tool for accomplishing that task.

[Will Dole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful little book, laying out not just the theological priority of visiting the sick, but also giving practical tips and checklists to help you actually visit the sick in a helpful way. Highly recommended.

[fpk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ordered this book per recommendation from one of the deacons at my church. I'd volunteered recently to be part of the visitation program for shut-ins, and so this is the book the volunteers were reading. It's a short book, easy to finish in one reading. I didn't much like the beginning of it, as it was full of things to do, Scriptures to memorize, much like a to-do list. The rest of it was far more practical and realistic. I liked the simple suggestions, of keeping visits short and being sensitive to family members and roommates (in a hospital setting). There were several appendices at the end which I found helpful too. My favorite appendix was the 4th one, an abridged paper written by J.C. Ryle on sickness. Overall this book was somewhat useful, but the other book I'm reading, Just Show Up, written by the late Kara Tippetts and her friend Jill Lynn Buteyn, is far more helpful in terms of giving helpers/visitors some advice on how to walk along side those who are hurting and how to help them without any agendas.

[Ryan Trzeciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, theological, pastoral, and practical, this book provides the motivation as well as the how-to for this vital aspect of ministry. In Spurgeon’s words, “I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been of more use to the Saints of God than health has.” I am challenged by this little book and will begin to look for ways to apply it.

[Caleb Stallings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this seems obvious to me, but that may have to do with my father being a pastor and my growing up visiting people with him. So maybe I’m not Croft’s target audience, but I read this in the hopes of gaining more practical and theological insight into caring for the sick. In my view, this is more helpful with the former. But overall, it’s a decent guide for inquiring minds.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for new pastors with little experience. Would even be helpful in teaching church members the importance of visiting one another.

Could use some more reflection on the nature of suffering and death.

Engages with the Bible but not much theology.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small, little book. But a nice compendium of information on visiting those who are sick or hurting in your church. It offers good theological perspective before moving into practical matters.

[Jimmy]

This is a very practical book for pastors and non-pastors on Christian visitation ministry towards the sick. Visiting the sick and caring for those who are ill is an important function of the church and as I pastor a congregation that is fairly young, I have not had much experience with regular visitation of the sick so I got this book to get me thinking about this not so much for it's theological foundation but the practical wisdom. This work is helpful for the laity. The book begins by letting readers know that some of the pointers will be common sense that one should already know--but he rightly points out how it's never a bad thing to be reminded of them. Some of the things I found helpful to think about is consider praying the gospel; in the instance of a visitation that didn't go according to plan and you are not able to see the sick, you should leave a hand written note for the individual and their family. Hand written notes will also stick more strongly in terms of impression than just talking. Makes a good point not to overstay one's welcome during visitation especially if the patient is under extreme pain; it's always better to err on the side of staying too short than staying too long. I appreciated Croft sharing how he brings up the Gospel and spiritual matters during his visitation. My only complaint about this book is that it was too short--the biblical and theological foundation I found lacking in the sense that it was too brief and I would love to see more practical pointers and wise principle.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book (93 pages) that I found very helpful. I have been a pastor of a church for 32 years. I've made hundreds of hospital calls, and frankly thought I was above average in doing this. Yet, there was much to be learned that would encourage the reader who wants to be better in hospital ministry. Croft begins by discussing the origins of disease and sickness, not particularly new to me, but overall, helpful. Then he discusses why people (not just pastors) should be involved in ministry to the sick. Frankly, this ministry is a sign of being born again (Matthew 25:31-46), "I was sick and you visited me." He then discusses some pastoral helps and practical necessities. Croft finishes the book by encouraging pastors to make disciples who do this ministry. Overall a short, helpful and thought-provoking book for anyone who wants to grow in service to Christ.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful little book although I found the appendix with J.C. Ryle's essay on sickness (from the 1800s) to be the most helpful part of it. This was thought-provoking to me in my position as part of the women's diaconal team at my church.

Read in October 2013.

[Peter LeDuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

After going on visitation rounds at my local hospital and finding it to be awkward and uncomfortable at times, I left with a desire to minister to the sick in my community more faithfully and effectively. In this short manual, Croft offers a wealth of pastoral wisdom from his years of experience visiting the sick. After laying a solid theological foundation for the work, he shows how sickness brings a palpable spiritual sensitivity ripe for Gospel opportunity, and then gives practical advice for maximizing on it. I appreciate how he encourages pastors not to downplay the effect that this unique ministry can have on our own lives causing us to focus on eternity, witness the glorious benefits of the Gospel, and see the value of our efforts.

[Cory Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In this little volume, Brian hells us to think straightforwardly and faithfully about God’s truth and God’s people. His advice is as sound as it is simple. Some parts of this may be about matters you’ve already figured out. But isn’t it better to be told something twice than not at all?” -Mark Dever

Helpful book. Didn’t expect to find a biblical theology of God’s care for the sick but wasn’t pleasantly surprised to see that as the first chapter. Lots of practical advice, the one that was new to me which I’ve marked for future use is to leave a note if you visit and are unable to see a person. The appendixes are great resources too.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the subject of visiting the sick. It starts by giving a clear Biblical position on sickness and visiting and maintains this throughout. It is superbly practical - suggesting possible dialogues and helpful scriptures to share with someone who is ill as well as some very useful practical advice on a range of aspects of visiting. It is a great encouragement to those who have an unease in this area and reminds us throughout of the wonderful assurance of eternal life we have in Christ which is the basis of our ministry to all including those who are suffering.

[Heather Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical book. Easy read. It is under 100 pages. This is a great little book for pastors and their congregation visiting the sick and terminally ill. This book is not just for pastors. It is written by a Baptist preacher but his knowledge and wisdom in regards to visiting the sick is very good. I had several take aways for myself that I plan to implement when I go to visit hospice patients. So, it was definitely worth the read. If anyone feels they have a calling or ministry in bereavement, hospital visitations, hospice, etc. then this book is definitely for you.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Practical Shepherding series of books. Some are more mainstream for seminary grads or long-time ministers. But books like this are so beneficial for their practical helps in thinking how to lovingly visit those who are ill in our congregations. It is not the most interesting reading in the world, but the way it encourages pastors and church members on how and why to visit the sick earn it huge points in my mind. Highly recommended.

[Rick Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for young pastors!

If you are wondering what to do about pastoral care at your church. If you want to know how to perform pastoral care in the hospital or the home- read this book!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book describes itself as a practical and theological guide to ministering to the sick. That's pretty much it. However, don't let the simplicity fool you...this is a tremendously helpful resources that I wish I had read years ago.

[Lance Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, practical, and helpful. I highly recommend for Pastors who do visitation. I wish I’d read it earlier in my ministry but I’m thankful I’ve read it now and plan on implementing it in my visitation ministry.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct helpful book examining a biblical perspective on sickness and how to minister to the sick and dying. The practical tips on questions to ask and how to structure a visit were great. This book will set you on the right track.

[Helen Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book summarising the Biblical position on visiting the sick and including helpful pastoral and practical advice.

[Craig Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and super helpful.

[Danielw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but effective book. All you need to know is in the title. Very helpful.

[Kevin Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often this is an overlooked aspect of ministry among younger ministers. I'm thankful to have read this theologically informed and practically bent guide.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and practical, though aimed at pastors. Really liked the JC Ryle paper about sickness at the end.

[Tim Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and practical. An excellent guide for any church leader regardless of position.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good resource for pastors when they visit the sick or injured in a hospital. Great nuggets of wisdom from an experienced pastor in congregational care. I wish it was a longer book!

[Ben Clouston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend all the resources that Practical Shepherding produces. They are rooted in scripture, full of practical wisdom, and focused on God's glory.

[Peter Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful little book, full of practical wisdom in visiting the sick. Everyone in church leadership would benefit from reading it, even those with many years’ experience.