Community Caring Resource Network

Background:  August 3, 2023 was the first time I sat down and talked at length with John Boyle, President of Great West Properties.  Up to that point, I had met him briefly, spoken with him on the phone a couple times, and exchanged a few emails.  This is because Ashley Chiles is the primary contact concerning the relationship between the ministry and the apartment management, thus most of my interactions were with her.  Because this was the first significant conversation I had with him concerning his thoughts about the ministry, and his position as a primary stakeholder within the ministry setting, I am placing this interview in Phase I of the project. 

In July of 2023, we corresponded concerning a written job description and a Code of Conduct for the Apartment Chaplain position. John’s concerns have primarily centered around making sure that anything I do as a chaplain, and anything Community Caring Resource Network does as an organization, does not put any representatives of the apartment complex in violation of Fair Housing guidelines or cause any residents to feel uncomfortable due to what may be perceived as an excessively religious environment at the complex. This is completely understandable, and I continually expressed my commitment to maintain a non-threatening atmosphere for anyone who interacts with us, regardless of their beliefs. 

Also in July of 2023, John attended a Barbecue at the complex, which was our first event and the public launch of the ministry.  On August 3rd, we met at the community room of the complex to meet up for a while, and for him to issue me a key. 

The Interview: It was just the two of us in the large community room.  We sat on comfortable couches near a glass coffee table, and exchanged the casual conversation elements that are typical of such meetings, the nice August weather in Washington state, the busy workweek, etcetera.  He expressed appreciation for how well the barbecue event had been executed, and the other initial steps of the project that had been taking place.  

I shared with him a little of my background, and how my experience as a pastor and passion for working with people in a “community context” (outside of the church setting) made the opportunity of serving as an Apartment Chaplain such a great vocational fit, and a source of incredible joy.  I shared some of the aspects of chaplaincy ministry that set it apart from what people often think of as “Christian ministry” in an effort to assuage any concerns he might have about proselytizing, or pushing religion on any of the residents.  He affirmed this, and he said he appreciated the steps we were taking (such as creating the Code of Conduct), to make sure we were operating in a way that was considerate and respectful toward those of other beliefs. 

Before long, we began to talk more personally, and he shared with me about his own faith and spiritual journey, how these had been important to him all his life, but had become even more significant recently as his wife was battling cancer.  We proceeded to talk for the rest of our time together very personally and openly about topics like family, relationships, spirituality, and facing the trials and difficulties of life.  At the end of our time, I asked if I could pray for him, and he agreed.