When Kevin first stepped into NMC Health as a volunteer chaplain, he wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. But it didn’t take long for him to discover what would become the most meaningful part of his service: the conversations.
“The conversations with patients have been very meaningful,” he says. “Patients and their families have been very kind and welcoming.”
For Kevin, those simple moments of connection are the heart of chaplaincy. He has learned quickly that in times of crisis, presence often speaks louder than anything else. “Presence is a lot more important than words,” he says. “Sometimes just being with someone is the support they need.”
Preparing the heart before entering the room
Kevin starts each morning with practices that ground him – devotions, exercise, and space for quiet.
On the days when life feels rushed, he notices the difference.
“If I am in a hurry before coming to NMC Health, it’s hard for me to slow down,” he says. “I try not to pack in a lot before my shift. Being able to arrive centered really matters.”
Caring as a team
One aspect of chaplaincy that has surprised him in the best way: the encouragement from the rest of the care team.
“The staff has been great when we visit with them on the floor, and often recommend patients for us to connect with.”
It’s a collaboration he values deeply, helping ensure each patient receives care that addresses mind, body, and spirit.
A new calling, a new kind of ministry
Kevin’s desire to serve isn’t new. His entire career has revolved around people, purpose, and compassion. He has worked as a youth pastor, campus pastor, interim pastor, development officer, college professor, podcaster, and holds academic training in Family Ministry, which focuses on supporting families and couples.
Most of his professional life has involved “presenting, programming, and one-to-one conversations,” a skill set that translates seamlessly into meeting patients exactly where they are.
Chaplains, he explains, approach care differently than traditional ministers.
“Being a chaplain is very person-centered. You’re trying to figure out the social and spiritual resources someone has and seeing if you can support them. Being a pastor includes that, but also leading a group of people.”
Kevin sought out NMC Health specifically because he wanted to volunteer “where great things are happening” and to experience a different type of ministry than he had before.
Meeting people where they are
Though he’s still early in his chaplaincy journey, Kevin takes great care in offering support without judgment. Regardless of a person’s background or beliefs, he focuses on beginning with their needs, not his own.
“It’s starting where they are at and what support you can give them,” he says.
Often, the simplest gestures make the biggest impact: listening, asking gentle questions, and offering steady presence. “These help people feel cared for and supported.”
Life outside the hospital walls
When he’s not serving, Kevin finds peace and joy outdoors, including cycling, walking, gardening, and kayaking. A coffee with a friend is another favorite way to recharge.
He draws inspiration from the writings of theologian Dallas Willard and keeps a favorite quote of St. Francis of Assisi close: “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” It’s a philosophy reflected in the way he moves quietly, compassionately, through the halls of NMC Health.
Still unfolding
Kevin’s journey into volunteer chaplaincy is still unfolding, but his heart for people, his steady presence, and his deep faith are already making a meaningful difference in our medical center.
Kevin embodies what it means to serve with purpose. His story reminds us that healing isn’t found only in medicine – it’s also found in connection, empathy, and the kind of kindness that speaks without saying a word.
