Rev. Elwood (Woody) Spackman

Chaplain in Residence

MDiv., ACPE Educator, Board Certified Chaplain, retired elder in The United Methodist Church

Ordained in 1966, Chaplain Spackman served United Methodist Churches in South Carolina and North Georgia for twenty Years before focusing his ministry in the area of pastoral care and education in the Emory Healthcare System for twenty-eight years. He had opportunity to serve as a chaplain and ACPE Educator in the rapidly expanding healthcare system, specializing in clinical care, ethics and staff support. He simultaneously taught in the systems clinical pastoral education program, “Adventures in Faith”, a lay pastoral care Program for lay leaders and at Candler School of Theology. Since retiring in 2014, Chaplain continued teaching at Children’s Healthcare, local church’s and in Lay Pastoral Care programs.

Chaplain Spackman is currently training a team of Care Ministers at Decatur First UMC as well as leading a Medical Professional Support Group. If you're interested in becoming a Care Minister or participating in the Medical Professionals Support Group, email Rev. Woody, ehspackman@gmail.com.

Care Ministry at Decatur First is the training of lay members who have committed to serve and partner with the clergy staff in pastoral care of the congregation. By connecting with those who are homebound, ill, or experiencing grief or trauma—whether personally or in families and communities - this ministry seeks to provide loving care and service, while growing together as disciples of Christ.

Medical Professional Support Group (Sundays 8-9pm, via zoom). Decatur First is grateful for those who have served so faithfully during this stressful time and would like to provide an opportunity for mutual support and care. If you or someone you know works in the healthcare industry, you are invited to join a virtual support group, led by two DRUMC members and healthcare professionals, Bailey Pendergrast, RN and Chaplain Woody Spackman.