Parish Nursing Ministry

Since 1991, Concordia College has prepared nearly 1,800 nurses to serve in faith communities across the country.

As faith community nurses (or parish nurses), these professionals are called and committed to the healing ministry of the church, helping meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the members. This ministry is grounded in the tradition of the church, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2). The faith community nurse program within a congregation also recognizes that the ministry of the church community is to proclaim God's desire that we strive toward an abundant, healthful life.

Concordia’s Parish Nurse Ministry program offers foundations courses (educational preparation programs) at select times in the year. Faith communities are encouraged to sponsor nurses by providing funding for the foundations course.

PRINT | April 2022 Foundations Course Overview
PRINT | Frequently Asked Questions
PRINT | Steps to Develop an Effective Faith Community Nurse / Parish Nurse Program
PRINT | Supplemental Supply List (supplies may be purchased at any time)

About the course from past participants...

Really appreciated the spiritual care foundation from scripture.

Love the case studies…appreciate the real stories.

Appreciate bring in outside expertise.

From the bottom of my heart! I’m so blessed to have been given the opportunity to take this course, with these instructors!

So helpful for me, re-energized me in my faith and life journey.

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2022 Foundations Course Information

Dates | April 25-29, 2022
Times | Contact time varies daily to meet the 36.5 hour requirement. More information will be provided by the program director.
Location |
Olivet Lutheran Church
1330 S University Dr
Fargo, ND 58103
Location on Google Maps
Lodging is not available on site, but there are hotels nearby.

Cost |
Early Bird Registration $450 (through March 11, 2022)
Standard Registration $475 (March 12 - April 11, 2022)
The cost includes a full week of instruction, participant workbook and practice standards ($100 value), and a binder of program materials. The cost also includes refreshments and some meals for the week. Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee.

A letter of reference from a colleague or a member of your clergy must also be submitted via email to the program director by April 8.

Payment may be made by check or credit card. Participants must register using the link below regardless of payment method. If you wish to pay by check, enter the coupon code PNMCHECK at checkout. Registration and full payment must be received before the April 11 deadline in order to be fully processed and complete.

Please make checks payable to Parish Nursing Ministry Program and send to:

Parish Nursing Ministry Program
Concordia College
901 8th St S
Moorhead, MN 56562

During registration you will need the following information:

• RN License Number

• RN License Status

• Church or Faith Community Name

• Church or Faith Community Address

• Denomination

Refund Policy | If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact bokinski@cord.edu for cancellation fees.

Program Director's Message

Greetings from the Concordia College Parish Nurse Ministry Program!

Throughout the past year, my brain has been inundated with information on the impact of the Coronavirus on one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. One can hardly have a conversation without mention of the pandemic’s effects on our fellow parishioners, friends, or colleagues.  At times I wonder what we talked about prior to the pandemic (deep down I really miss those conversations)!  Pastor Craig Groeschel, a speaker at this past summer’s Global Leadership Summit, shared that he created a new leadership term called “PUC”. PUC stands for pain, uncertainty, and chaos. It is the muck and yuck that surrounds us and keeps us from growing and nurturing others. I have been reflecting upon his presentation and realized how easy it has been to get caught up in the sadness, anxieties, and heaviness of local and global events. At present, I am involved in a Bible study focused on the 23^rd Psalm and as we dig into each verse, the Holy Spirit is revealing a powerful message! I encourage you to continue to keep the faith by gathering with others to share your highs and lows, staying focused on God’s amazing love through reading of his Word and attending to your prayer life. God is there through all of this. He knows pain, suffering, grief, and uncertainty and has conquered all through the death of his beloved Son!  Amen.

We are excited to share the dates and location for our next Faith Community Nursing Foundations course! Our host site will be Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 South University Drive, Fargo, ND. The dates are set for April 25-29, 2022. Please see the registration link on the website. As in the past, the course will be in-person as there is not a distance learning option at this time. We will be following guidelines for pandemic precautions if needed. However, if places of worship are closed due to another surge in COVID-19 cases, we will need to reschedule the course. We will provide updates on our website and e-mail those who have already registered for the course. Please prayerfully consider attending a foundations course and/or share the program information with your nursing colleagues. Our friends and course alumni are an important part of program referral.

We are in the beginning stages of planning a “renewal” event. It has been a few years since we have hosted a continuing education event. It will be a time to network, reconnect with friends, and grow in faith. Information will be shared as soon as we have dates.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our website. More resource links and materials will be added to assist in the development and growth of your health and healing ministries. There is a new “In Memory” section where we can post brief obituaries of program alumni and champions. Please let me know if one of our colleagues has passed away so we can share their tribute. If you have resource ideas that you would like for us to consider posting, please let me know.  The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail at bokinski@cord.edu.

Blessings,

Dr. Jean Bokinskie, PhD, RN
Director, Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Emeritus-in-Residence, Nursing