Within the world of spiritual care, we are invited to listen to stories throughout our encounters and visits. We use mirroring, empathy, and wondering statements (among other strategies) to navigate those stories and give meaning. Perhaps, though, there is wisdom in thinking about listening to stories through the lens of storytelling, as we would when we read a book with story arcs, beginnings, endings, and all that good wisdom. How can we use this as a way to help patients, families, and staff think about their stories and make meaning of them? Come and explore the gifts of narrative theory and storytelling strategy! But just as importantly, we will also explore how the chaplain, the bearer of those stories, becomes the storyteller and a character in their own story.

The Siburt Institute Chaplains Fellowship exists to foster a network of professional chaplains, chaplaincy candidates, students, and allies. Our hope is that the Fellowship provides opportunities for professional education, spiritual growth, personal support, and networking.

James Denham has served Texas Children’s Hospital for nearly 11 years, primarily providing family and staff support in the PICU and Heart Center ICU. En route to his ministry at Texas Children’s, James received his B.A. at Pepperdine University and his M.Div. at Abilene Christian University before completing his CPE residency through Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center. However, he is a Southern Californian at heart, as he was born and raised there, and it is where he initially learned his love for the outdoors, the beach, hiking, and disc golf. James now calls Houston home with his wife, Liz, and their son, Ryan (8). The passion he brings for the ministry of pediatric chaplaincy, which emerges out of his own parenthood and identity as a wounded healer and enneagram 9, embraces his value for meaning making, resilience, play, and intentionality in spirituality.