The Future of Church and Mission Hospitals

What is the future of church and mission hospitals in developing countries? As we begin the new century, the Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) Board would like to assist its members in addressing this compelling issue in international health. 

For years Christian mission hospitals have been in crisis. While many agencies and churches are struggling with the problem internally, there is very little information being shared about how they are coping with the problem. We need to learn from each other about successes and failures and about lessons learned. Most importantly, we need a vision for the future. 

Some of the questions that need to be addressed are:

 What is the role of the Christian mission hospital in improving the health of the people it serves?

 What is the relationship of the hospital to the ministry of the local church?

 What institutional structures are appropriate for today and the near future?

 What should be sustained, what can be sustained, and by whom?

CCIH is bringing together key leaders to address these and other questions.  This core group will work on articulating the fundamental problems and questions and will develop a framework for looking to the future.  The process includes a seminar on June 13, when the core group presents their preliminary work and engages others concerned about the issues in dialogue and critical analysis.  Final products of the study will include materials such as monograph, study guides for self-analysis, descriptions of alternative models, and proposals for future directions.