GARDENDALE —
Curtis Calfee is a Gardendale resident who works as a chaplain to hospitals.
When many people hear the word “chaplain,” they might think “military.” What’s the definition of a chaplain?
A chaplain is any kind of pastoral caregiver that offers spiritual support, like grief counseling, encouragement and prayer. I’ve been a chaplain to employees at the Birmingham racetrack in the 90’s and worked in a corporate-workplace chaplaincy as well.
What made you decide to become a chaplain?
I felt like God was leading me into the ministry. I was originally going to go into the mission field, and I’m still a big supporter of missions.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my wife, Janice, for 38 years. She is a chaplain, too. I have two sons: My oldest, Eric, is a police officer with four children and my youngest, Rodney, also entered the ministry.
Where do you go to church?
Actually, I work weekends, so I’m not a member of any church in particular. I do visit a lot, though.
What do you like about being a chaplain?
I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives. It feels good to help people through the toughest and darkest days of their lives.
Can it be challenging?
It’s definitely challenging, especially when dealing with so much death and the family members of someone who is severely ill.
Do you have any interests outside of your work?
Music. I’m a bass guitar player; I played in a band with my sons for a long time. I like Christian rock the most, but I enjoy all kinds of music, from progressive jazz to country.
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