Don Vanzant

Compassionate ministry leader with over 15 years of experience providing spiritual care, grief support, and crisis counseling across church and institutional settings. Former juvenile detention center chaplain experienced in walking alongside individuals and families during trauma, instability, and loss. GriefShare facilitator and current MA student in Biblical Counseling, committed to offering calm presence, dignity, and hope to patients and families navigating end-of-life care.

• Discipleship Pastor, First Baptist Church, Bristow, OK, 2024-01-01, Present, Provide pastoral counseling and spiritual care to individuals and families navigating illness, hospitalization, and personal loss., Conduct hospital visits and offer bedside prayer and emotional support., Facilitate grief-related conversations and provide follow-up care after bereavement., Maintain confidentiality and steady, compassionate presence in sensitive situations.
• Chaplain, Creek County Juvenile Detention Center, Creek County, OK, 2015-01-01, 2019-01-01, Provided spiritual and emotional care to incarcerated youth experiencing trauma and family separation., Offered crisis counseling during high-stress and emotionally volatile situations., Led one-on-one spiritual care conversations and group sessions., Worked within a structured institutional environment while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Youth Pastor, Gypsy Holiness Church, Gypsy, OK, 2014-01-01, 2019-01-01, Provided pastoral counseling and spiritual care to families during illness and bereavement., Conducted hospital visits and offered prayer support in end-of-life situations., Walked alongside families through grief following the loss of loved ones.
• Youth Pastor, Bristow Holiness Church, Bristow, OK, 2012-01-01, 2013-01-01, Provided pastoral care and spiritual mentorship to students and families., Supported families during crisis, illness, and loss through prayer and visitation.
• Youth Pastor / Christian School Principal, Hornet Christian Academy, Joplin, MO, 2009-01-01, 2009-12-31, Provided spiritual leadership and counseling to students and families., Offered pastoral support during family hardship and crisis situations.