Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land: Ministering to Persons Living with Dementia

Abstract

Offering meaningful ministry to those affected by dementia provides a significant challenge to the Church. Those who would like to offer worship and pastoral care are often intimidated by their own fear, feelings of inadequacy or futility in the face of this devastating disease. The diminishment of cognitive abilities in those affected by dementia challenges our understanding of what it means to be a human person and raises questions about the basis of our faith. This article offers a theological reflection on the experience of ministering to those living with dementia and explores ways the Church might respond to this challenge.