Bridging Faith and Medicine
Every Christian doctor, dentist, and healthcare worker has a unique opportunity to support their patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Medical literature increasingly recognises the vital connection between spirituality and health.
However, many Christian healthcare professionals struggle with integrating their faith into practice while managing the demands of their daily work. Finding practical and respectful ways to live out God’s calling as His witnesses in the workplace (Acts 1:8) remains a challenge.
Inspiring Faith in Healthcare
Luke’s Journal is published three times a year by the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia (CMDFA). It encourages Christian health professionals to integrate faith into their daily work, offering theological insights and practical advice to navigate life at work, social and at home.
Opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily CMDFA. All submissions are reviewed by the editors and editorial committee, with contributors required to align with Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia’s Vision and Statement of Faith.
Copyright applies to all published material. For permission to reproduce content beyond private study, please contact the editors.
Additional copies for sharing with interested colleagues can be obtained from the national office or Branch Secretaries. A subscription to Luke’s Journal is included with CMDFA membership and is also available for purchase by libraries and hospitals. Enquiries should be directed to the National Office.
We welcome contributions.
The Saline Process Training
The Saline Process equips healthcare workers with the skills, training, and guidance to confidently assess a patient’s spiritual needs. Through practical tools, it helps participants develop a personalised approach to sharing the love of Jesus in a way that aligns with each patient’s individual needs.
Upon completing the Saline Process, participants will be able to evaluate a patient’s attitude towards Christ and respond appropriately, following ethical principles of permission, sensitivity, and respect. The training explores key questions such as:
Key Questions Explored in the Saline Process
- Why is faith important in healthcare?
- What opportunities and challenges come with fulfilling God’s call?
- What is my role as a Christian healthcare professional?
- What practical tools can I use to nurture and share faith?
- What are the next steps?
The Saline Process offers witness training, available in-person or via video conferencing, along with ongoing support through mentoring, coaching, and further training for those interested in teaching the course.
Uniting Healthcare and Faith Through the Saline Process
The Saline Process began in Hungary through a partnership led by Dr Bob Snyder, Dr Gábor Győri, and others. This collaboration grew into IHS Global, a ministry dedicated to equipping Christian healthcare workers to be witnesses for Jesus.
Now part of the International Saline Partnership, IHS Global, the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia (CMDFA), and other organisations have expanded the training worldwide, helping thousands of Christian health professionals integrate faith into patient care.
Key partners include the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia (CMDFA), the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA), the Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia (NCFA), the Christian Medical Fellowship UK (CMF UK), the Evangelical Medical Fellowship of India (EMFI), and HealthCare Fellowship International (HCFI), all working together to support whole-person healthcare.
- Shared Vision – That every Christian healthcare worker engages in the Great Commission.
- Shared Mission – To equip healthcare professionals worldwide to be Christ’s witnesses in their workplaces.
- Shared Priority – To pray and work diligently towards this mission.
- Shared Tool – To utilise IHS Global’s Saline Process as a key resource.
In Oceania, organisations involved in the Saline Process include the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia (CMDFA), Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia (NCFA), Healthcare Christian Fellowship Australia (HCFA), and the Christian Medical Fellowship New Zealand (CMF-NZ).
Saline Process Online Training (S.P.O.T.)
The Saline Process training is typically delivered live by qualified trainers, either in person or via video conferencing. A free, self-paced online version is also available as a valuable supplement before or after the live sessions.
While we strongly recommend the live training as the gold standard, the Saline Process Online Training (SPOT) offers a great alternative for those unable to attend.
To enrol in this free course, visit spot.ihsglobal.org.
Reserve your spot! We invite members and non-members in medicine, dentistry, healthcare and other allied healthcare professionals and students to join us.
Date & Time: 11-13 July 2025 from Friday 5pm to Sunday 4pm
Venue: The Women’s College, University of Queensland, College Road, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD
International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA)
The International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA) connects members regionally and globally, offering mutual encouragement, prayer, and learning.
In Oceania, the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia (CMDFA) and New Zealand are the two full member nations, working alongside ICMDA to strengthen fellowship, friendship, and collaboration among Christian medical and dental professionals worldwide.
Explore ICMDA Member Publications, including magazines and journals from member organisations
