The Center for Pastoral Wholeness and Chaplaincy Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary continues to expand its academic programming and its presence in the Memphis community.
The CPWCS partnership with West Cancer Center has grown to a year-round program, with MTS students serving as chaplain interns in the summer as well as during the academic year.
At the end of the 2024 academic year, CPWCS ended its partnership with the Center for Chaplaincy Studies as MTS began developing its own course offerings.
Dr. Jonathan L. Jeffords, the Director of the Center for Pastoral Wholeness and Chaplaincy Studies, said, “Thanks to support from the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, the Center for Pastoral Wholeness and Chaplaincy Studies continues to grow. We are excited to continue developing our own curriculum and build our own localized faculty as we build a comprehensive training program for local faith leaders discerning a call to chaplaincy.”
Dr. David Weatherspoon, a chaplain at Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, has taught classes on chaplaincy in hospital settings. Dr. Sarita Wilson-Anderson, the Director of Spiritual Care at LeBonheur, has offered classes on trauma-informed ministry.
Noah Quinton (MDiv, ‘15) Staff Chaplain at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, continues to serve as a mentor for the chaplaincy interns serving at West Cancer Center. He provides an orientation at the start of each internship period, and mentors interns through monthly meetings.
In the Fall 2025 semester, Dr. Jeffords will be teaching “Dementia through a Pastoral Theological Lens” and “Congregational Conflict and Pastoral Care.” David Weatherspoon will be teaching “Spiritual Care in Hospital Settings”
We asked our two summer 2025 chaplain interns to tell us about their experience serving at West Cancer Center. Here’s what they said.
Sarah Chatman: “I hope I have made as much of a difference in the lives of my patients, their families, and West Cancer Center staff as they have in mine.
I have shared happiness with patients through small acts of kindness, like replacing a misplaced courtesy bag, or listening to an elderly gentleman tell the same stories repeatedly, as though I was hearing them for the first time. These experiences have given me a greater appreciation for what is really important, and that is making a difference in the lives of others, especially when they are suffering.
I’ve learned that the best thing I can do for some patients is to be present in silence. Experience is the best teacher and serving as a chaplain intern at West Cancer Center is my beginning.”
La’Shonna K. Williams: “My experience as a chaplain intern at West Cancer Center has deeply shaped my call to ministry. I went in believing I was there to provide care, but what I discovered was how much I would learn from the strength, resilience, and faith of the patients I had the honor of serving.
There is such a deep need for this sacred work, and I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to do the work my soul craves—the kind of work that brings God’s presence into the lives of those who are suffering through compassionate care.
I witnessed God’s love show up in the treatment rooms—in quiet conversations, gentle prayers, and sacred moments of connection. This journey has not only strengthened my faith, but also affirmed my call to serve with empathy, humility, and unwavering love.
I’m truly thankful to Memphis Theological Seminary for providing me with this invaluable opportunity.”