Here at CMDA, we’re often asked about why we, as an organization broadly and as our advocacy team specifically, seem to be more concerned about policy and ethics and less so about domestic missions—for our neighbors in need here in the U.S. These inquires and suggestions are often made out of concern that our engagement in legislation and the ethics around certain life issues comes at the expense or dismissal of the vulnerable. Whether it’s our members or those otherwise concerned with such issues, we are grateful for the feedback we receive, for the sanctification and opportunity to improve upon our mission. This brief essay is a response to those questions, as well as to provide additional background on CMDA’s efforts and interests in domestic healthcare missions.

As an organization, our numerous position and public policy statements affirm that the Christian community should share responsibility for healthcare, especially for the poor. Indeed, all healthcare professionals should strive to deliver healthcare to the poor. This is rooted in our understanding of the imago dei and the sanctify of human life. It is also rooted in the belief we have a telos, that we exist to bring glory and honor to God. And in those beliefs and understandings, Jesus Christ is our ultimate example. Therefore, Christian healthcare professionals demonstrate Christ-like compassion while caring for those in need. When biblical theology informs clinical practice, it establishes an integrated vocation that includes care for destitute and disenfranchised of every background, wherever they are. Augustine suggests this is one “of devout mind, kind and generous heart, and untiring compassion, as shown by his care of the poor.” To be Christ-like, to follow the paradigm of imitatio Christi, to appreciate the Christus medicus tradition involves attending to the needs of the vulnerable both domestically and abroad, while also advocating on their behalf.

So, while we do call for abstinence from and eradication of certain behaviors (i.e., abortion, assisted suicide, etc.) through our advocacy work in positions statements and involvement in policy making, we are also advocating for something more. We are not simply saying “no” to behaviors we believe are sinful, but we are also saying “yes” to the work that glorifies God and brings genuine flourishing to this world. We seek to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. This is evidenced in our mission statement where we affirm “Christian healthcare professionals glorify God by following Christ, serving with excellence and compassion, caring for all people, and advancing Biblical principles impacting healthcare within the Church and throughout the world.” In this, Christian healthcare should be distinct and as it was in the early church. It should be both compassionate and counter cultural.

Without question, our members live out this mission both in their communities and on far-away continents. They are obedient to God in their vocation. I experienced this firsthand in my time at a Christian federally qualified health center on the westside of Chicago, Illinois, where my wife and I both worked and where we moved to invest in the welfare of that community. I saw the hearts of those Christian healthcare professionals—CMDA members—who dedicate their lives in service of those in need. I saw the fruit of their work. Indeed, we hear countless stories of our members imitating Christ in the most desperate neighborhoods across this country. They are showing and sharing the love of Jesus.

However, as an organization, CMDA is not set up to directly attend to the medical needs in disparate communities here in the U.S. We are limited by logistics and red tape. In aim of the principles stated above, our work is oriented toward equipping our members to serve however and wherever the Lord calls them. We intend to be a force multiplier, to connect those with a heart for this work with the opportunities available and provide the requisite tools. Other like-minded organizations, like our friends at Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF), are also participating in this work. We are each different parts of the body of Christ.

As far as our advocacy work goes, we see a unique opportunity to leverage the hearts and expertise of our members to speak truth into the culture and our laws. We provide an opportunity for them to share what God puts on their hearts in a unique way. In this work, CMDA seeks to equip our members to care with a heart centered on Christ and to also speak truth into a dark world. We stand firm in these convictions and our belief that, if we are to live virtuously, we will naturally both speak truth in protection of and go directly in service to the vulnerable.

We are grateful for our members, friends and partners who engage with our work and the opportunities we have to share the gifts God bestowed on each of us. We encourage all healthcare professionals, but especially those committed to following Christ, to serve those in need and to protect fellow image bearers.

If you have questions about CMDA Advocacy, contact [email protected].