Ep. 70 "The Gift of Presence" w/ Adrian Dixon
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this week’s episode, Chris speaks with Veteran Chaplain Adrian Dixon on his journey of becoming a spiritual leader as a Resident Chaplain at Duke Raleigh Hospital. While still in Divinity school, Adrian started working as a Staff Chaplain at Duke Raleigh Hospital providing pastoral services to patients.
Through his diligent work, he slowly expanded the Chaplain program to include a new clinical pastoral program, “Care For Eachother (CFE),” a partnership with Duke University Hospital, and a team of five full-time chaplain residents and 8 to 10 interns to provide pastoral services. Adrian also shares two emotional stories that have resonated with him over his nearly 20 years with Duke.
The first recounts a past patient’s recovery and recognizes the gift of presence and the effect his support had on the patient. The other talks about a dying patient’s last wishes and how Adrian handled and came to terms with his final requests. Through these stories, Adrian shows how, by simply being present and providing support during times of need, deep connections can be created between patients, doctors, friends, families, and teammates. Furthermore, drawing from his own journey through illness at a young age, Adrian urges listeners to never lose faith and let the “seed of fear” deter them from pursuing the life and goals they want.
Through diligent work and unwavering faith in God, Adrian overcame his obstacles and is destined to help his followers and patients do the same.
More About Our Guest:
Adrian is an experienced Chaplain Services & education department administrator with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Skilled in nonprofit management, public speaking, pastoral ministry, entrepreneurial organizations, and healthcare chaplaincy, Adrian has a strong education with a Doctor of Ministry focused in Ministry Development from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Adrian is the Founding/Lead Pastor of Northside Community Church. He is also the full-time Director of Chaplain Services & Education at Duke Raleigh Hospital, where he has worked since 2003. Adrian grew up in the Raleigh area and earned a bachelor’s degree at Campbell University, an M.Div. at Duke University, and a D.Min. at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Adrian is married to Shoshannah, and they have three children together. He’s a fan of the NC State Wolfpack and loves Cincinnati Reds baseball.
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