Nursing Home Ministry:  Step-by-Step Guide

(For Teams or Individual Visitation Ministers)

1. Pray for God’s Leading

• Ask the Lord for direction, timing, and clarity.

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

2. Discern Your Calling

• Decide whether God is leading you to:

  • Begin the ministry personally, as an individual, or

  • Serve through your local church.

3. Meet with Your Pastor

• Share your vision.

• Request spiritual covering and prayer support.

• Ask if the church desires to be connected to the outreach.

4. Form Your Ministry Team (If Applicable)

• Ideal team size: 6–10 people.

• Individuals may proceed alone, but team support is encouraged.

5. Pray for God‑Chosen Team Members

• Ask God to bring people who are:

  • Kind

  • Merciful

  • Understanding

  • Wise

  • Discerning

  • Teachers

  • Intercessors

• Individuals: Ask God to cultivate these qualities in you.

6. Plan for Two‑Person Visit Teams

• Ideal: Two people per resident (gentle, not overwhelming).

• Individuals: You may visit alone—just be especially gentle and respectful.

7. Meet for Prayer & Scripture (Team or Individual)

• Dedicate your ministry time to the Lord.

• Read the story of the friends who lowered their friend to Jesus:

  • “They lowered him through the roof and laid him before Jesus.” (Luke 5:18–20)

• Purpose: Bring each resident to the feet of Jesus for salvation, healing, comfort, and His Lordship.

8. Pray About Which Nursing Homes to Visit

• Ask God to highlight one or two locations.

• If a church member is a resident somewhere, that is an ideal starting point.

9. Contact the Activity Director

Introduce yourself (and your team if applicable):

• Explain your desire to encourage residents with kindness and respect.

• Assure them you will:

  • Treat residents with dignity (this is their home).

  • Ask permission before visiting.

  • Slip away quietly if the resident is asleep or declines.

• Share your church affiliation.

• Request permission to:

  • Pray with residents (only if they desire it).

  • Share brief Scripture.

• Clarify visit length: 10–15 minutes per resident.

10. Celebrate the Open Door

• Thank God for the opportunity.

• Obtain the Activity Director’s direct phone number or extension and share your contact number for their communication purposes.  

• Build a reputation of reliability by showing up as promised.

11. Day of Visitation

• Visit residents in pairs (or individually if serving alone).

• Give everyone a return time to regroup.

• Close with prayer and dedication.

• Suggested Scripture:

  • “Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)

  • “Serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)