What motivated you to enter Chaplaincy as a career?
I find the spiritual care aspects of ministry to be fulfilling. To be involved in people's lives this way has always been an honor. I have skills in this area.
What's the most challenging part of your work?
Each person's situation is unique and different. Listening closely to the person to hear the themes and issues that are theirs.
What's the most rewarding part of your work?
When someone is able to make use of their spiritual resources to cope, live and act within their situation.
What do you find to be the most helpful when visiting with a cancer patient?
Close and empathetic listening.
What spiritual or religious resource do you find most personally helpful?
Scripture and the spiritual tradition.
What personal characteristics do you believe make and effective chaplain?
Not being in a big hurry to jump in and say something but being able to be patient and wait. To not think you understand the person unless you have verified it with them. Getting out of the way so that God can work.
Are their spiritual/religious topics you personally wrestle with?
The relationship of my own faith tradition that of other faith traditions and belief systems. I do not believe that other traditions and systems are just different routes up the same mountain. Human life is too complex and the traditions and systems are far too profound and subtle for that. Each identifies the human condition differently and seeks to address it in a particular way, even though there may be similar features in common.
What would you like cancer patients and their families to know about M. D. Anderson?
That they and their journey here are respected, not just in terms of spiritual care but in all areas of care.
David Stouter
Staff Chaplain
