Welcome to our series that spotlights NC Conference pastors serving in extension ministries. Read about other extension ministers as these stories are published weekly.
Rev. Lisa Brown Cole
Rev. Lisa Brown Cole serves as the Manager of Duke Regional Hospital Chaplain Services & Education Department. She is an Elder in the NC Conference who has served three local church appointments over 20 years, and now she is in her 20th year in this extension ministry appointment as the Manager of the Chaplain Department at Duke Regional Hospital. She is married and has two children who are both married. They have lots of pets as a family, and she loves helping pets in need.
Duke Regional Hospital Chaplain Services & Education Department
Rev. Cole describes serving these 20 years as the Manager of the Chaplain Department at Duke Regional Hospital (DRH) in Durham as a great joy and challenge. With only herself and one other full-time Chaplain serving DRH, along with some wonderful volunteer clergy to help with On Call over all these years, it has been challenging trying to meet the needs of all of the patients, families, and staff, especially as this community hospital continues to grow to help meet the needs of the community. In her time there, she has strived to help DRH see the importance and gift of having a Clinical Pastoral Education program (CPE), like Duke and Duke Raleigh hospitals have, and with great joy, she is glad to share that in 2024, they began their own CPE program at DRH! As Manager, she has many roles in helping with the CPE program, along with regular patient visitation, and leading the Staff Well Being committee, where they began a Pet Therapy program for the staff during the Covid season, which continues, as well as regular administrative responsibilities. She is so excited about the growth of this Chaplain department because she knows the difference increased Chaplain support will make for the patients, families, and staff. The pictures here reflect the ministry through Blessing of Hands for staff, the first cohort of CPE students and leaders, and the Pet Therapy program.
A Leader Forming & Peace Building Ministry
Through the CPE program, the training and experience offered not only equip learners toward becoming chaplains, but also provide training for leadership in pastoral care for pastors and laity. In working with staff, patients, and families of all faith traditions, of many various cultural, racial, and life backgrounds, they strive for peace building and being examples of appreciating and valuing and supporting the unique and wonderful gift of each person.