First Christian Steps in to Fill Hospital Chaplaincy

By Jennifer Johnson When the chaplain of Decatur (IL) Memorial Hospital retired after 25 years of service, Wayne Kent, lead pastor at First Christian Church in Decatur, got an idea. “I approached the hospital leadership because this kind of hire is different from what they normally do,” he says. “I told them we could help with the process””or they could just ask us to do it.” With that, Kent began a series of conversations with the hospital administration that resulted in First Christian “just doing it”””evaluating applicants for the chaplaincy position, hiring the chaplain, and expanding the program to provide

August 23, 2012

Paul E. Boatman

Church & Ministry

Interview with John Craycraft

John Craycraft shares insights from his Navy chaplaincy experience, exploring military ministry, evangelism, ethical challenges, and the preparation needed to serve people through crisis, deployment, and everyday life.

December 4, 2005

Laura Lovejoy

Care & Counseling Grief & Suffering

I Marvel at His Blessings

A Mayo Clinic chaplain shares how spiritual care meets patients and families in fear, grief, and uncertainty—while also supporting staff through crises, teaching, prayer, and moments of hard-won joy.