PASTOR CHARLES Mayo has always believed in the power of faith to heal, comfort, and guide people through life’s most difficult moments. His journey with Lincoln Health System began in March 2021 when he was asked to serve as a volunteer chaplain. Seeing an opportunity to minister to people’s spiritual and emotional needs, he eagerly accepted the role, primarily working with hospice patients and their families.
For nearly three years, Mayo provided solace to those in their final days, offering prayers, scripture, and words of encouragement. But it wasn’t until January 2023 that he met Lincoln Health System CEO Mary Beth Seals — a meeting that would change the course of spiritual care within the hospital.
“I was visiting a patient at the hospital,” Mayo recalled. “As I was walking toward the elevator, I saw a couple of ladies near the nurses’ station and wondered if one of them might be the new CEO. When she walked toward me, we looked at each other at the same time, and both asked, ‘Are you?’ It was kind of funny.”
That chance meeting led to a conversation about the prospect of a hospital Chaplaincy Program, an idea close to both of their hearts. Seals invited Mayo to an informational dinner later that year with other local ministers to discuss the initiative. By November 2023, the plan was set in motion.
“I really appreciate Mary Beth’s vision and her heart for combining spiritual care with medical care,” Mayo said. “She is very interested and incredibly supportive of this program.”
Just days after the dinner, Pastor Mayo was appointed as the lead chaplain, tasked with organizing and overseeing the program.
“I felt extremely honored to be entrusted with that responsibility,” he said with pride. “It’s been an incredible honor to serve.”
President of Lincoln Health, Mary Beth Seals, saw the need for this type of program.
“It was important to me that we started a chaplain program again in our hospital,” she said. “Patients, visitors, and staff need a safe place a comfort in their time of need. I am grateful to the men and women who are meeting this need for us. This is another small gift we can offer in our community hospital. What better way to give back.”
Officially launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the program started with seven volunteer chaplains, including pastors from various denominations and a dedicated hospital and hospice volunteer. Now, with eight chaplains on call, the program ensures that spiritual support is always available to patients and their families.
“We don’t make daily rounds unless a chaplain wants to,” Mayo explained. “Instead, we operate on an on-call basis. If a patient requests a chaplain, the nurse contacts the chaplain assigned for that month, and if they are unavailable, a backup chaplain is contacted. This ensures that someone is always there.”
The impact of the Chaplaincy Program has been profound. Mayo remembered a particularly heart-wrenching case: a woman who had been admitted to the emergency room while her husband was tragically killed on the job.
“She was about to undergo surgery the next morning,” he said. “Being able to sit with her, pray with her, and offer scripture — she felt a peace in the midst of her grief. I followed up with her the next day, and though she was still grieving, she had a deep sense of calm.”
Another chaplain recently ministered to a patient in the intensive care unit, offering support not only to the individual but to the entire family.
“He described how a great sense of peace came over them,” Mayo shared. “Knowing that God had used him as an instrument of comfort — it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The program provides 24/7 spiritual support, with chaplains available for emergency calls after hours, particularly in end-of-life situations.
“There’s never a time when someone in need won’t have a chaplain available,” Mayo shared. “We are here to walk alongside patients and families during their most difficult moments.”
For Mayo and his team of chaplains, this program isn’t just an act of service for his community; it is a calling.
“It’s wonderful to see people being ministered to, finding peace, and knowing that we were part of that journey,” he said. “This program isn’t just about religion — it’s about human connection, compassion, and the power of presence.”
With the support of Lincoln Health System and a dedicated team of chaplains, Mayo’s mission to integrate faith into healthcare continues to grow. “We are making a difference,” he said with certainty. “And that is the greatest blessing of all.” GN
