What does Saline Process mean?

The Saline Process is named after the life giving saline solution used in healthcare, and also refers to Christians being salt and light (Matthew 5: 13-14 1 ) in the health field. A solution too salty is deadly, and too dilute is bland. So too, we can be truly life-giving through the Holy Spirit if we inject the right balance of truth and love as we witness into the lives of our patients and colleagues. Our conversations are to be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6 2 ), and we are to always be ready to give a reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). In healthcare, this is demonstrated by being ready to seek permission to discuss spiritual matters, with openness, sensitivity and respect. The term Process acknowledges that God’s work in our lives is ongoing.

“…being ready to seek permission to discuss spiritual matters, with openness, sensitivity and respect….”

Newcastle Saline Process, 2019

Needless to say, the training day did not disappoint! About 20 participants gathered on a fresh sunny winter morning to learn how we can better share our faith at work. We were led by passionate trainers, each bringing a wealth of experience in varied backgrounds. Our group was enriched by the shared experiences of GPs, practice managers, palliative care specialists, psychologists, nurses, dietitians, naturopaths and medical and allied health students, creating a unique learning opportunity with a diversity of perspectives.

I was inspired to learn from one GP who had a stack of Bibles in the consulting room to give away to anyone who asked, that he was constantly restocking! It was also encouraging to hear him stand firm and bold for Jesus in the face of abuse regarding his Bible-giving from a few offended patients.

It was convicting to realise that having spiritual influence r

equires not only professional competence and compassion, but demonstrable Christlike character (Galatians 5: 22-23a) and courage (Joshua 1:9).

Some participants were particularly looking forward to putting into practice the Christian Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool. I especially appreciated learning the framework of the Engel Scale. It is a useful tool to help identify one’s willingness to engage with Jesus and Christianity, and provides a toolkit in how to approach someone in each stage. Within that toolkit are eight tools including taking a spiritual history and identifying moments for ‘faith flags’ and ‘faith stories’.

My take home mantra to sum up the Saline Process, as one participant shared, is to “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words” (a principle which may or may not have originated with St Francis of Assisi. 3 ) 3. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/factchecker-misquoting-francis-of-assisi/ (Accessed 21/09/2019)

Saline Process participants Newcastle 2019