The Ministry Pack for Psalms of Comfort was created especially for hospital and home visitation and is available in packages of 10 at a specially reduced price to facilitate wide distribution. At $40.00 for the pack, each CD is only $4.00. Click here.

Knowing when to speak and be silent, how to look death in the face and still hold on to your faith in the Lord of life, knowing how to be a reflection of Christ and not serve your own personal agenda are just a few of the challenges facing Chuck Butler and Scott McOwen.

They both serve as chaplains and both see the Psalms of Comfort as a meaningful and needed ministry tool for those in hospital, hospice, or recovering at home from illness (or those who are processing grief or personal loss). Below are a few principles to guide you in your ministry of compassion and comfort.

1. Remember God is already there when you arrive, what you can't do, He can.
2. Get your ego out of the way.
3. Everyone has a story to tell: listen for it (It may be the patient or someone else in the room).
4. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
5. Be sensitive as to whether the patient is open to a visitor.
6. If a patient wants to talk about something serious, don't steer them away from it.
7. Don't try to direct things.
8. Don't give advice.
9. Don't tell a patient how they should feel or be.
10. Bring resources that are healing, calming, and easy for the patient to utilize. It may be difficult to read, depending on the circumstances, so CDs and DVDs are helpful.
11. Read the room. Be a good observer.
12. Never assume anything. You may not read the cues correctly.
13. Never wake a patient up in the hospital, they're there to heal.
14. If they're recovering at home, usually wake them, but exercise sensitivity always. They may not have many opportunities to interact and visit.
15. Always use the patient's name.
16. Always offer prayer.
17. Learn the art of conversational prayer (See CButler PDF).

To read or download Scott and Chuck's full interviews, click Chuck Butler or Scott McOwen. They are both rewarding reads: Chuck's story of his most meaningful experience as a Chaplain is deeply moving and Scott's view of retired and recovering businessmen is enlightening.