“So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

If you want plumbing advice, find a plumber. Electrical help? Look for an electrician. Need assistance with a cake? Locate a baker. For twelve years, I’ve been a hospice chaplain. Providing spiritual care for the terminally ill is rewarding, to say the least. It’s also challenging and humbling. I’m no expert, but I have a little experience. From that, I offer three simple observations. May God use them to help in ministry of all kinds.

First, terminally ill people need someone to walk with them through their journey. Nearly everyone has family and friends for this, but because they are so emotionally involved with the patient, the patient may take spiritual care lightly from a spouse, child, or lifelong friend, and the like. Pastors are ideal for such a ministry, but–for a variety of reasons–many patients don’t have one. Terminal illness can be scary for even the bravest of patients. No one should face that ordeal without someone whose main reason for visiting is prayer, Bible study, listening, counseling, or simply being present for difficult, painful days. Second, ministry requires pouring yourself into the life of another. Whether you minister to the terminally ill or to a stranger in line at your Post Office, you give a little of yourself at every encounter. Your well will go dry if you try to do this in the flesh. Your ministry will be sterile if you remain impersonal and aloof. Terminally ill people (and everybody else) need YOU, not just cold comments and half-hearted sentiments. That makes you vulnerable, of course, and subject to everything from indifference to physical attack. The dying need the living. You may be the living one that the next dying person needs. Third, no one should die alone. If at all possible, someone else should be present to encourage, pray, listen, sing, or simply attend at death. That someone may or may not be a chaplain, but dying alone is dismal and cheerless. You don’t know what to say? Hold the hand of the dying. You don't know what to do? Quote or read from God’s Word. God may use it to usher the dying into eternal glory. Walk the journey with the dying. Pour yourself into the dying. Stay with the dying through death. Through Christ, that’s what God does with us.