Jim Truitt is the pastoral ministries manager at Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community in Parkville. This fall, Well for the Journey will begin bringing several of its programs to the Oak Crest campus through its new “Mobile Well” program.
How do you approach pastoral ministry and programs for a community of older adults?
Good question! The mission statement for Pastoral Ministries includes the following language – “to honor and assist residents in the growth and expression of their spiritual lives, and to foster an atmosphere across the campus that respects all faith traditions.” Fortunately, in seeking to meet that goal we are very resource-rich. We have a total of eight full-time and part-time staff in Pastoral Ministries, a chapel that seats 400 people, and the participation of over 300 volunteers. Of course, we have our challenges as well. There are about 2,150 residents at Oak Crest, living in independent apartments, assisted living, and skilled care, representing a variety of faith traditions and spiritual perspectives.
We want to provide worship services and programs that are meaningful to the long history and rich traditions of religious life, and I think we do a very good job in that area. Beyond that, living in our community is really ideal for giving residents exposure to the practices and traditions of other faiths. We find there is often a new or renewed openness to other faiths, not pulling people from their own perspective but allowing them to learn about and appreciate other perspectives. Clearly, we want to care pastorally for people who are facing transitions or crises in their lives or families. Lastly, we want residents to serve and be involved, contributing their gifts to our community and adding meaning to their lives. It is truly a joy to see residents accept, care for, and enjoy each other regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.
What do you find inspiring about working with the Oak Crest community?
Well, just the scope and diversity of the community is invigorating! When residents move in, they bring their interests, skills, and pastimes with them. We have over 100 resident-run groups and clubs; I can’t even begin to describe everything that goes on here, right where the residents live. Let’s just say that even finding a room and time for the workshops from the Well was a challenge! Within Pastoral Ministries, we consider ourselves privileged to witness the full fruit of a lifetime of faith lived out among so many residents. Certainly, we deal often with loss and grief, yet are humbled to see residents approach life with strength, courage, and humor. Personally, I have so much fun working with the residents, and so often see residents that make me literally say, “wow, I want to be like that when I grow up!”
How did you learn about Well for the Journey?
One of the groups I work with on campus is the Spiritual Life Council, a group of residents representing very diverse religious backgrounds and spiritual interests. We have strong religious programming for our large Catholic and Protestant faith communities; the focus of this group is to encourage respectful understanding of and personal growth in the common ground within religious traditions, interfaith explorations, and spirituality. Most of them are from the Baltimore area, and were familiar with the Well, speaking very highly of both the people and the programs at the Well.
Why did you decide to invite the Well to bring classes to Oak Crest?
I would say there are two main reasons. First, the Well represents a tremendous resource of perspective, people and programs, that we think could open new doors of growth for the residents. Second, I was looking for an organization with which we could truly partner over the long haul. We have in the past had many speakers and programs at Oak Crest, drawing on the wider community of Baltimore. Those have been wonderful for our residents, but are almost always a one-time event. Partnering with the Well gives us a new opportunity that I trust will be a blessing to the residents and also to the Well.
What do the residents think about having classes at Oak Crest?
Oak Crest has for many years had classes on campus every semester from the Community College of Baltimore County, so there is an established track record for this approach. Greg Cochran, Mabeth Hudson, and Franklin Adkinson were kind enough to come on campus and have an exploratory meeting with a group of residents. We’ve taken their feedback and set up an initial series of four workshops, every other month, starting in September. I’ve already had one resident email me to tell me she can’t wait for the first one! I think this represents a new opportunity for spiritual growth, and the residents will respond favorably.
What are your favorite hobbies/leisure activities?
Pretty much anything outdoors gets me refreshed and renewed – even working in the yard! I read constantly, go for jogs, and love family time. And any day at the beach is a good day!
