OKECHUKWU NWANERI
Upper Marlboro
Summary
Seasoned chaplain and pastor offering 15+ years of experience in pastoral care and spiritual leadership to growing church. Committed to creating thriving community and guiding individuals transformed by gospel. Successful background in organizational leadership, ministry program development and mission-oriented strategic planning.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chaplain
Heartland Hospice
03.2025 - Current
- Provide spiritual care and crisis support to terminally ill patients and their families across faith backgrounds.
- Partner with interdisciplinary teams to ensure culturally competent, holistic care.
- Serve as spiritual care liaison for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator
Lorian Health
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Counseled staff and families navigating spiritual distress, grief, and end-of-life transitions.
- Coordinated with local clergy to ensure accurate credentials and patient religious needs.
- Designed bereavement resources and post-loss support pathways.
- Supplied spiritual care for diverse religious needs of patients, family and staff such as grief and bereavement support.
- Resolved crisis and emotional issues through empathy, support, prayer and scripture.
Chaplain
Brighton Hospice
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Implemented spiritual care programs leading to measurable improvement in patient emotional health.
- Conducted faith-based services, support groups, and customized care plans for diverse demographics.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator
One Care Hospice
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Spearheaded group grief counseling and end-of-life planning for patients and their loved ones.
- Strengthened continuity of care through family meetings, education, and active listening.
- Counseled and provided care to patients with life-threatening illnesses to help families respond effectively to approaching death of loved one.
Chaplain (Captain)
United States Air Force
05.2010 - 06.2023
- Supervised spiritual programs impacting 1,200+ personnel and their families.
- Coordinated interfaith ministry teams and mentored junior chaplains.
- Planned and led base-wide events, supervised volunteers, and launched wellness initiatives that promoted emotional resilience and improved morale across personnel.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
Campus Pastor
Divine Grace Mission World Outreach
02.2008 - 04.2010
- Provided pastoral leadership for a growing congregation, overseeing weekly worship services, discipleship programs, and outreach efforts.
- Built and nurtured volunteer teams to support church ministries and events.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to engage local families and individuals.
- Preached regularly, led Bible studies, and offered pastoral counseling and support.
Education
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) - Pastoral Leadership
Louisiana Baptist University
Shreveport, LA10.2018
Master of Divinity (M.Div) - Military Chaplaincy
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA10.2013
Master of Information Technology - undefined
American Intercontinental University
04.2005
Skills
- Spiritual program design
- Team leadership
- Interfaith Collaboration & Credential Verification
- Community engagement
- Pastoral counseling expertise
- End-of-Life Spiritual Support
- Crisis Response & Emotional Resilience
- Cultural Competency in Patient Advocacy
Accomplishments
- Supervised chaplaincy services across multi-site hospice organizations.
- Established trusted relationships with clergy across denominations.
- Reduced burnout and increased staff retention by integrating self-care and spiritual wellness initiatives.
- Developed pastoral protocols used across teams for consistency in care delivery.
Affiliations
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) – Spiritual Care Association
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) – National Association of VA Chaplains
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement – Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers Intl. (FGFCMI), Ordained 11/07/13
Certification
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) – Spiritual Care Association
- Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) – National Association of VA Chaplains
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement – Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers Intl. (FGFCMI), Ordained 2013-11-07
Timeline
Chaplain
Heartland Hospice
03.2025 - Current
Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator
Lorian Health
01.2024 - 02.2025
Chaplain
Brighton Hospice
08.2023 - 01.2024
Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator
One Care Hospice
11.2022 - 07.2023
Chaplain (Captain)
United States Air Force
05.2010 - 06.2023
Campus Pastor
Divine Grace Mission World Outreach
02.2008 - 04.2010
Master of Divinity (M.Div) - Military Chaplaincy
Liberty University
Master of Information Technology - undefined
American Intercontinental University
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) - Pastoral Leadership
Louisiana Baptist University
Similar Profiles
Tina JonesTina Jones
Patient Care Manager at Heartland HospicePatient Care Manager at Heartland Hospice
Susan BockSusan Bock
Patient Care Manager at Heartland HospicePatient Care Manager at Heartland Hospice
Genesis AldazGenesis Aldaz
Registered Nurse at Heartland HospiceRegistered Nurse at Heartland Hospice
Tania ColeTania Cole
Employment Specialist at Ardmore EnterprisesEmployment Specialist at Ardmore Enterprises
Nyeilah HarrodNyeilah Harrod
Scholar Participant at Yale Young Global ScholarsScholar Participant at Yale Young Global Scholars