Extended Care

Watch our Extended Care video to learn more about this ministry

"Does it Hurt to Die?"

I sat in her room at the nursing home watching her fight back the tears as she asked, “Does it hurt to die?” One of her kidneys was failing, and while the other was still functioning, she was fearful having recently watched a dear friend die in a great deal of pain. Knowing that she was once a nurse in the Navy, I sensed that her question wasn’t really rooted in the physical aspects of suffering or death. As we talked, it became clear to me that her question (and her concern), was about where she would spend eternity. What she really wanted to know was, “What must I do to be saved?” What a joy it was to shine the light of Jesus' love upon this troubled soul.

Staff Minister Allen Krause

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Extended Care ministry is all about shining the light of Jesus’ love (the Light that gives eternal life) upon the often-forgotten souls living in nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, as well as rehab care centers. These souls are precious to our Savior, and it is our great privilege to share God's Word with them, reassuring them with the faithfulness of God's promises — "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Mt. 28:20).


Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers

Nursing homes can be lonely places. Residents long to talk to people who care. This ministry is also close by. For these reasons, it is the easiest ministry for local congregations to assume. Institutional Ministries trains congregation members for this ministry, and where help is needed, also provides in-person chaplaincy. Together, we are shining the light of Jesus’ love on the walled-in souls of our communities!

Hospice Care

Two huge questions loom before the dying: “Am I loved?” and “Do I know where I am going?” Through Hospice Care, Institutional Ministries answers both of those questions. “Jesus loves you so much that he sent us to talk to you. Jesus wants you to know how he solved the problem of where you are going.” This is the very essence of how Institutional Ministries goes behind a wall to shine the light of Jesus into hearts.

Latest Extended Care Articles

Check out our IM.Life stories, articles and experiences.


Achieving Your Goals

Recently, in working with a family preparing their estate plan, an important guideline was discussed.

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God is Faithful

Lucy died without family present. Her church family visited her faithfully, but they weren’t aware when she passed away. Yet, Lucy didn’t die alone. God had promised her, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.”

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Ministry Behind the Walls

Institutional Ministries is a nonprofit organization established in 1901 that carries out behind-the-walls ministry by shining the light of Jesus’ love into hearts.