A Message From David Cobb - Board Certified Chaplain

     When I first become Director of Spiritual Health for the Martin Luther Campus just over a year ago, I brought over 25 years of experience as a church pastor in Illinois, Texas, Virginia, and Minnesota, but I had less than one year of experience as a chaplain. You have been gracious and kind to me as I've found my way and you also have been supportive as I continued the education process that is required to become a Board Certified Chaplain.  

     This morning, the certification committee of the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc., interviewed me and gave me their approval. I’m now officially a Provisional Board Certified Chaplain, recognized by the Association of Professional Chaplains. It's a milestone for me at this turning point in my ministry, and it's a benefit to the Martin Luther Campus.

     Obviously, I’m excited about this. But it's part of a bigger picture, and I'd like to share that with you, too. If you're curious, read on.

     Fairview and Ebenezer have always been committed to the spiritual health of all our patients and residents. Yes, we are a residential health care institution, and we operate as a business. But we also know that no one we care for is just a collection of their medical conditions or housing needs. Each person is a bundle of relationships, habits, convictions, experiences, stories, feelings, ideas, thoughts, fears, and hopes. That’s the “stuff” of spiritual health. Sometimes these things are given explicitly religious language, but not always. Identifying our residents’ and patients’ needs, goals, and resources in any of these areas is part of the overall health and healing we are here to provide.

     To build on this conviction that spiritual health matters, and to continue improving the care we offer, Fairview and Ebenezer have committed to providing chaplaincy that meets the standards for BCCI Certification. These include chaplains who have undergraduate and graduate degrees, 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, 2,000+ hours work experience, a recognized faith group endorsement, and demonstration of 31 core competencies. 

     I’m grateful to Associate Chaplain, Pastor Diane Reishus, and to the administration, staff, volunteers, residents, and their families on the Martin Luther Campus for taking the last year of these clinical steps of the journey with me. I’m also thrilled that together we are expanding the spiritual care we offer by becoming a clinical site for Fairview CPE students like Derek Martin, who just completed his CPE summer internship with us in August, and Scott Hoecker, who is now doing his CPE residency with us through August 2018. 

     Finally, I’m especially glad to be your chaplain, serving alongside Diane and Scott. No matter what your religious or spiritual tradition (even if you don’t identify with any at all), we're each here to support you in being the best YOU you can be. 

May you be whole and at peace,  

Rev. David Cobb, PBCC
Director of Spiritual Health