Ordination of Chaplain Kathy Spate

Posted on Monday, October 24, 2011

Chaplain Kathy Spate is the second woman to be ordained in the history of the Alberta Baptist Association.

Bethany Care Society is pleased to announce that Chaplain Kathy Spate will be ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Brentview Baptist Church on Sunday, September 25, 2011. She is the second woman to be ordained in the history of the Alberta Baptist Association.

A member of Brentview Baptist Church, Kathy Spate has been a Chaplain at Bethany Calgary since August 2010. In her work, she provides compassionate pastoral care for residents, many with dementia, as well as spiritual support for family members, staff and volunteers. She holds an MA in Counseling and training in Clinical Pastoral Education.

“Bethany Chaplains are sensitive to the diverse expressions of faith and spirituality represented within our caring community. As members of interdisciplinary care teams, Chaplains make unique and important contributions to holistic care,” says The Rev. Dr. Jean Morris, Vice President, Spirituality and Pastoral Care. “Ordination deepens the profound call of Kathy Spate to this ministry, and we are grateful for the gifts she brings.” Kathy is part of an ecumenical team of Chaplains serving at Bethany Care Society.

Ordination is the recognition of God’s call on a person’s life and an affirmation of how God has gifted that individual for service and ministry. It is an act of worship through which a congregation affirms God’s blessing on the one who has been called to the ministry. Dr. Jim Leverette, Regional Minister for the Alberta Baptist Association, has been Spate’s mentor. “During the ordination process, Kathy has proved herself to be an outstanding student of Scripture, a clear theological thinker and effective communicator of her faith and convictions. It has been a privilege to work with Kathy, helping her prepare for this significant time of affirmation by the church,” he says.

“Just as I felt God directing me in the first steps of my ministry as Chaplain, it was a natural process to then respond to God and seek ordination,” says Kathy. “It really began with the people of Brentview Baptist Church as they affirmed the gifts of ministry they experienced in me. The Ordination Service constitutes a charge to the church to care for and support me as we covenant together in ministry and, likewise, a charge to me as I am entrusted with the care of the lives and spirit of residents at Bethany.”

The Ordination Service for Kathy Spate will reflect the unique character of Brentview Baptist Church, and will include an ordination prayer and laying on of hands by leaders within the church and clergy who have encouraged Chaplain Spate on her journey.