Front Line Spiritual Care: Chaplains and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written by Rev. Michael Vollbrecht

One year. Countless lives changed forever.

As we reach the anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kansas and Oklahoma, I'm reminded of the over 500,000 victims that have died nationally (nearly 10,000 in Kansas and Oklahoma,) and the countless caregivers, both at home and in our community settings - ministries, hospitals, and critical care facilities - who have struggled to ensure our loved ones are comforted and supported as they die.

"COVID has changed everything about what I do and how I do it."
- Laura Woods

This process is engaged by many professional clergy and lay people within our Conference; especially by the Chaplains who have made this their life's work.

"I've had to be creative in how I reach people in new ways."
- Robin Colerick-Shinkle

Recently, I was fortunate to interview five chaplains, and to learn about their experiences doing chaplaincy during the pandemic. Their insights and wisdom have opened (and broken) my heart: for them, for the victims, and for the healthcare industrial complex.

"I've had to get used to 'working from home' - but that's not why any of us got into chaplaincy!"
- Ryan Murray

These chaplains, nurses, and other caregivers work tirelessly to instill heart and love in immensely challenging times.

"I choose to go out and talk to the [medical staff] - because they are struggling."
- Kelly Hansen

I invite you to spend an hour with us this Sunday, March 14th, as we honor the contributions of our chaplains.

"Never have I experienced anything like this - my job changes weekly."
- Gary Blaine

Learn from them, and let us honor them, and take time to pray for those who have died, and those who are grieving, in a time of blessing and remembrance.

"Everywhere we go [in the pandemic] there's this sense that nothing makes any sense..."
- Regan Saoirse

Join us as we attempt to make sense, through prayer, compassion, and gratitude, of this historic anniversary.