Duke’s mission is to provide outstanding medical care while meeting the needs of the human spirit. The healing effect of spiritual support is beneficial to people undergoing medical treatment.

The Department of Pastoral Services makes chaplains and pastoral care volunteers available for the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, their families, and staff. The Pastoral Care Volunteer Program is a way of enhancing the presence and support of spiritual and emotional care at Duke University Medical Center (DUMC).

The program incorporates a significant presence of local religious leaders and lay volunteers who represent the community while nurturing a cooperative relationship beneficial to patients of all walks of life and faith traditions.

The Pastoral Services Department will continue to offer opportunities to local clergy and lay people to become familiar with an organized pastoral care program. Volunteers will be drawn from laity and clergy in the local and surrounding communities.

Opportunities to work in solidarity with the senior chaplains, chaplain residents, and interns are an added dimension to improve the ability and experience in the pastoral care task.

Applying to Be a Volunteer

Please contact Roger Velasquez at 919-684-4579 or roger.velasquez@duke.edu for the application and training dates.

For upcoming volunteers:

1. Information will be sent to the diverse communities of faith and an invitation will be made to those interested. Religious leaders will be asked to submit names of potential candidates for pastoral care volunteers.
2. Candidates will submit an application and fill out forms required by the Volunteer Services Department of DUMC. A statement of agreement to attend the orientation seminars will be required of volunteer candidates.
3. Appointments for interviews with the chaplain in charge of program will follow. If qualified, volunteers will be provided their unique Duke ID, parking permits, and other privileges. A TB test will be done by Duke Health Occupational Services. A background check will be conducted with your authorization.
4. Volunteers are required to attend six training sessions.
5. A volunteer training orientation specifically designed by senior chaplains will offer basic instruction on clinical pastoral care themes and other hospital-related practical orientation. Bibliographic materials are available.

We look forward to pastoral care volunteers’ participation in health care special events where awareness, theological-pastoral concerns, and best practice didactics may be useful in your work.