Health Concerns, Health Practices, and Personal Faith of Adults in a Charismatic Christian Congregation
Patricia Lee

Little is known about the role of the parish nurse in a nondenominational charismatic Christian faith community. This information is important because the role of the parish nurse is relatively new. No definitions are known to exist that link the activities of parish nurses to the personal faith, health concerns, and practices of individuals in congregations.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the health concerns health practices, and personal faith of born-again Christian adults who attend a large, nondenominational charismatic church in Hawaii. The study also attempted to describe the potential role of a parish nurse in this particular setting.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight born-again Christian adults who discussed issues related to faith and health. A naturalistic approach to inquiry guided the procedures used in this study. Content analysis was performed and five categories emerged: (a) health concerns, (b) health practices, (c) healing power of God, (d) support systems, and (e) health care. The findings revealed issues and challenges related to the health and personal faith of the participants.

Participants indicated that born-again, Spirit-filled Christian nurses who: (a) know, believe, and apply the Word of God, and (b) minister in the gifts of the Holy Spirit would be able to effectively provide care in this setting.