Sylvanus Africanus Chapman

Dynamic spiritual leader with extensive experience at Methodist Charleston, adept in crisis intervention and grief support. Proven ability to foster interfaith communication and cultural sensitivity, enhancing community engagement. Skilled in organizational management, I have successfully developed programs that address diverse spiritual needs, ensuring compassionate care during critical life transitions.

• Elder Ordination – UMC
• Certificate of completion – one unit of CPE – UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Mental Health First Aid USA
• CISM
• First Steps - ACP Facilitator Certification
• Infant Bereavement Training – Rachel’s Gift

• Associate Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Mesquite, TX, 10/01/14, Present, Providing pastoral leadership and empathic pastoral care as needed to members.
• Intern/CPE First Unit (Extended), UT Southwestern Medical Center, 09/01/23, 05/31/24, The training was rigorous, spiritual care giving exercises, backed by seminar sessions, which facilitated my involvement in providing help on a regular basis, and a more inclusive multifaith approach with equality of professional status and complementary participation in public health care settings among spiritual caregivers from various religious and nonreligious traditions and perspectives.
• Chaplain, Methodist Charleston, 08/01/24, Present, Offer spiritual and emotional support to patients, families, and care teams daily and throughout the end-of-life journey., Provide spiritual counsel to individuals of all faiths, including those without religious affiliations., Listen to concerns with respect and without judgment., Honor patients’ religious traditions and spiritual practices., Provide comfort during times of spiritual distress and anxiety., Participate in family conferences with the medical team when requested., Assist in discussions regarding end-of-life decisions., Join patients and families in prayer., Help loved ones cope with loss., Offer grief counseling and bereavement resources to navigate the wide range of emotions experienced during challenging times.
• Pastor, The African Ministry (Ebenezer Fellowship – FUMC, Mesquite), 12/01/14, Present, Established the African wing of the First United Methodist Church of Mesquite, Dallas Texas., Conduct Divine Service every Sunday and Midweek Prayer Meeting and Bible study via Zoom.
• Pastor/Executive Administrator, United Methodist Church, Sierra Leone, 01/01/87, 12/31/13, Ordained as deacon in the United Methodist Church, Sierra Leone, in 1987., Served in various leadership and administrative positions, including Senior Pastor and District Superintendent.