The Doctor-Patient Relationship
The two-stage approach, physical then spiritual, is based on Ellen White's comment in Ministry of Healing. She said that Jesus "ministered to their needs" (implying physical) "then He bade them, 'Follow Me.'" We believe the doctor is in the perfect position to use the physical healing process as a parable of spiritual healing to help the patient in body, mind, and soul.
Needs help physically
Except for required checkups, patients rarely go to the doctor unless they perceive a physical need. Their head, stomach, or another part of their body may hurt. Often this is caused by, or accompanied by, psychological need such as depression or anxiety. This pain causes them to seek medical help.
Seeks help physically
The patient comes to the doctor expecting an accurate diagnosis and effective help. The doctor is in a great position to start a trust relationship.
Accepts help physically
Usually out of trust, but once in a while out of mere desperation, the patient will do what the doctor tells her to do. If it is done faithfully, healing commences, and trust builds further.
Recovers physically
As the patient experiences physical recovery, her trust is increased. The physician is then in an excellent position to point her to Christ as the Master Physician, who is able to diagnose and heal every spiritual ailment or disease.
Needs help spiritually
Some patients need their spiritual disease pointed out to them. Many already wrestle with guilt, depression, anxiety, and other stresses but fail to understand the spiritual connection. This is the time when a little counsel from their physician helps them connect with a good book, a helpful church member, or the pastor.
Seeks help spiritually
This is the key transition step where the doctor-patient and doctor-pastor relationships intersect. The doctor can play the key role in bringing patient and pastor together for the first time. Continue reading about this step here.
