One of the most unique parts of chaplaincy work is the opportunity to meet a racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse community in a hospital setting. With this opportunity also comes the challenge of demonstrating Jesus’ love with individuals who believe different things yet still need spiritual and emotional support. Interfaith is respecting racial and spiritual differences yet providing compassionate care without surrendering our pastoral authority. This class will provide tools that can equip a chaplain or chaplain student to be effective in spiritually complex environments.

Dr. Dwayne Lee is the director of chaplaincy services at Terrell State Hospital in Terrell, Texas, a state mental health hospital. He has been practicing chaplaincy for over 10 years and was board certified in 2018. Dwayne has one son named Thorin, two beautiful daughters named Aowyn and Tauriel, and has been married to his wife, Tressie, for almost 20 years. He is a member of the Oak Gardens Church and has a Doctor of Ministry degree in spiritual education and leadership from Union Theological Seminary. Dwayne’s primary research focus is on racial identity, trauma and the clinical engagement of the chaplain.