Spiritual Care Volunteer and Training Program
Welcome!
Over the years, Houston Methodist has greatly benefited from dedicated community members of faith who serve as Spiritual Care Volunteers to support our professional chaplains. We believe the Spiritual Care Volunteers continue to have a direct impact on why Houston Methodist continues to be the “hospital with a soul,” the phrase coined by the pioneering heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey when he first experienced Houston Methodist in the mid-50s.
This enduring tradition has been further strengthened by the generosity of C. James and Carole Walter Looke. In 2023, their support enabled Houston Methodist to offer a more comprehensive training program for Spiritual Care Volunteers across all our hospitals. This program ensures that our volunteers are fully prepared to offer spiritual, emotional, and prayer support to a diverse patient population -- providing hospitality, compassion, encouragement, and appropriate spiritual resources to offer strength and hope during hospitalization.
We believe the service provided by our Spiritual Care Volunteers is transformational for patients, families, and staff, adding immense value to the Houston Methodist experience.
Training
Spiritual Care Volunteer Training is offered three times a year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The content was created after conducting listening sessions with the Spiritual Care teams across the hospital system – tapping into the wisdom of the Houston Methodist Chaplains and staff, as well as partners in other disciplines across Houston Methodist and community collaborators, and a wealth of secondary research.
Using a hybrid model, the Five Module training is presented with two sessions in person and three sessions offered virtually. Participants learn about the Houston Methodist culture and experience, the role of the Spiritual Care Volunteer, fundamentals of visitation, listening skills, self-awareness, and compassionate bereavement. Participants receive a Training Manual as a companion to the training sessions.
Prior to service, applicants will complete the onboarding process which includes completing a background check, health and drug screen, safety exam, and training. All volunteers are required to have the flu shot and TB screening. While we continue to encourage our Spiritual Care Volunteers to complete the COVID-19 vaccine, it is no longer mandated by Houston Methodist.
For more information, please call Zoë Krizak, Program Manager, Spiritual Care Volunteer Training and Education, at 346-356-1863, or email at zkrizak@houstonmethodist.org.