Hospice Chaplain with 10+ Years, Horn Lake Area

Dr. John Kirn Wenderlein III

Horn Lake, MS • 321-***-**** • *****************@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Compassionate and experienced Chaplain with more than a decade of service in hospice, hospital, and pastoral ministry settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, end-of-life support, grief counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Author of three books on end-of-life care and featured in numerous interviews, including several available on YouTube. Known for a calm presence, deep empathy, and the ability to support patients, families, and staff during their most vulnerable moments. Seeking to continue serving the people of Mississippi through meaningful spiritual care.

MINISTRY PHILOSOPHY

My ministry is rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and spiritual presence, especially in moments of fear, suffering, and transition. I approach chaplaincy as a sacred calling: to listen deeply, to honor each person’s story, and to walk beside them with humility and grace. Whether at the bedside, in a crisis, or supporting a grieving family, my purpose is to bring peace, comfort, and hope to those I serve.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Halifax Health Hospice — Chaplain

Daytona Beach, FL Sept 2021 – Present

Provide spiritual and emotional support to approximately 130 patients monthly across Central Florida and the Greater Daytona Beach region.

Serve patients in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and four hospice care centers.

Conduct funerals, memorials, bedside rituals, and family support services.

Respond to crisis calls and participate in on-call rotations, including nights and weekends.

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.

Develop individualized spiritual care plans for patients and caregivers.

Support bereavement teams with grief counseling and follow-up care.

Provide spiritual support and prayer for staff during difficult cases.

Maintain compliance with HIPAA, safety, and infectioncontrol standards.

Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

AdventHealth — PRN Hospital Chaplain

Daytona Beach & New Smyrna Beach, FL Apr 2021 – Oct 2021

Served during overnight and weekend shifts, including peak COVID-19 surges.

Provided crisis spiritual care in ICU, ER, and highacuity units.

Supported families during rapidresponse events and end-of-life decisions.

Offered emotional and spiritual support to staff experiencing burnout and grief.

Invited to return after transitioning to Halifax Hospice.

Kindred Hospice — Chaplain

Orlando, FL Jan 2015 – Feb 2021

Delivered pastoral care and spiritual counseling across multiple care settings.

Provided daily and on-call coverage, including crisis response.

Developed spiritual care plans and contributed to interdisciplinary treatment discussions.

Supported bereavement services and griefcare initiatives.

Led prayer and spiritual support for staff teams.

Awarded the “One Care Matters” Award for excellence in patient care.

Maintained compliance with HIPAA and safety protocols.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Educational Ministry, Andersonville Theological Seminary (2024–2025)

Master of Bible & Theology, Florida Christian University (2019–2020)

Undergraduate Studies, NOBTS / Baptist College of Florida (1998–2002)

Ordained Southern Baptist Minister, 2002

CPE Training, APCE 2014

PUBLICATIONS

End of Life Stories as Seen Through the Eyes of a Hospice Chaplain (2023)

Delayed Honor: End-of-Life Stories at the Bedside of Vietnam Veterans

A Caregiver’s Guide to Compassionate Care

MEDIA & INTERVIEWS

Featured in numerous interviews on end-of-life care, hospice ministry, and spiritual support

Several interviews available on YouTube discussing compassionate care and hospice work

CORE SKILLS

Crisis intervention & trauma support

End-of-life and palliativecare expertise

Grief counseling & bereavement support

Pastoral care & spiritual counseling

Interdisciplinary team collaboration

Cultural and spiritual sensitivity

Strong verbal and written communication

Staff support, prayer leadership, and debriefing

Organizational and timemanagement skills

Computer and documentation proficiency

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