John Wenderlein is the Author of the Day

John Kirn Wenderlein III, born in Owosso, Michigan, spent his youth moving due to his father’s Navy career. He later became a Southern Baptist minister and found his true calling as a hospice chaplain, providing comfort to those in their final days. An award-winning chaplain, John now writes to offer peace and clarity to others facing life’s end, hoping his stories bring solace to those in need.

Hello John, welcome to BrandEducation! What inspired you to pursue a career in hospice care, and how has it shaped your perspective on life and death?

While finishing my degree up in the late 1990’s. Our President had gotten us into a war, and I had notice an article that said for every fifteen soldiers there was but one Chaplain. And I couldn’t get that out of my mind .So I went home and told my wife I would try to join the military. Of course, I was almost forty-one so no luck. This feeling never changed until I had the opportunity to do Hospice work. And it has been a blessing more so for me than my patients.

How did your background in Bible and Theology influence your approach to supporting patients in their final moments?

 I carry my love of the Lord into every patient’s room or home. Yet I do not attempt to lets says talk them into something that they do not believe. What I do is meet the patient were he or she is and go from there. We talk about cars, just common interests ,often it’s the family we love. As with a faith that is real, when asked questions, I will talk about the things I have been educated to speak. 

Can you share a moment or experience that solidified your commitment to end-of-life care?

It was setting in a classroom of young men who being in the National Guard was being called up and my passion for their concerns that lead me to my change of occupation. 

What challenges do you face as a hospice chaplain, and how do you overcome them?

My greatest challenges is outliving the stereo type of the name Chaplain .It usually only takes one visit for the patient to realize I’m really there because I wasn’t to be. Not a job but a passion. You see this world we live in would say that when labeled a Chaplain you will push and push until you get what you think the patient needs and really it’s the other way around . I focus on today and let tomorrow take care of itself. 

How do you balance the emotional demands of your work with your personal life?

This is a job that is deeply rooted into emotions. For me I take it to heart not to let my feelings and emotions take over. Then if I do of, what value are you to your patient .None. So, I am excited when I first meet my next patient, and I am sad when they leave this earth .But I never lose focus that it’s all about them and there let’s say last season .

What role does your faith play in your day-to-day interactions with patients and their families?

 Faith is all I live for. Faith is something you can’t touch ,taste, but key to everything I am.

How do you maintain hope and positivity when working with individuals who are nearing the end of their lives?

 This is key to every visit. Hope is often the last thing my patients look to lean on. In the bible hope is defined as a promise not yet revealed.

“Remember Me” is a deeply personal book. What motivated you to share these stories with a wider audience?

Some would find it hard to believe .I simply would say that if one person who reads just one of my stories comes away with a peace about what’s coming for us all, then I truly have been blessed.  As I said in a earlier question it’s as simple as “It going to be ok”.

How did writing this book help you process your own experiences with death and dying?

It has been a personal journey for myself. I told one of my family members just last weekend what this job has done for me is cause me to with every patient visit my own mortality. And sort though this coming last season for me as we call it in the Chrisitan world.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in hospice care or chaplaincy?

It’s not for the faint of heart. And if your heart is leading you. Take the time to speak to a  seasoned Hospice Chaplain and get a understanding of really where your heart should be. Again so often the world has a misunderstanding of my roll in the lives of my patient.

How do you approach writing about such deeply personal and emotional experiences?

To put these sorts of stories on paper was really not hard for me like possibly others. I have always believed that with every patient they deserve to have the stories told. And I think that passion of getting these stories on paper has driven me to write two books and working on my third.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a hospice chaplain?

Rewards are something I really don’t strive for .except to say if I can conclude that after my patient has passed, I sensed a peace in them about what’s next. Then I have done more than my job. I have done the job of Him who called me to this work. My only passion is that simply put. It the patient can realize “ITs going to be ok” than they and there loved ones are better for it.

How has your work in hospice care impacted your views on what it means to live a fulfilling life?

It reminds me that the Lord tells us to live a full life .As if we are going to live for one hundred and fifty years and let Him sort out when He comes to get us. And I keep that thinking close to my heart moment by moment.

Find out more about John at: https://www.remembermejw.com/