Conversation with Deaconess Gayle Truesdell

Bring the Love of Christ - Specialized Pastoral Ministry

Deaconess Gayle Truesdell attended Concordia Seminary to become a deaconess After being a stay-at-home mother of seven children for nearly thirty years. She hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Missouri—Kansas City. After doing fieldwork at Breeze Park, a Lutheran Senior Services older adult community, and a deaconess internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at Laclede Groves also a Lutheran Senior Services older adult community, Gayle developed a passion for older adult ministry and knew she wanted to be a chaplain. After graduating from Concordia Seminary in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Deaconess Ministry, Gayle was called to serve as Chaplain at Lutheran Senior Services—Meramec Bluffs where she primarily serves the Assisted Living Community, the Care Center, and both dementia neighborhoods. Gayle serves alongside the other Chaplain at LSS-Meramec Bluffs who is an ordained Lutheran Minister who has responsibility for Word and Sacrament Ministry. Gayle and her husband Jim have been married for over 45 years. They have seven children and fifteen grandchildren. Chaplains play an important role in the lives of people who are hurting, distressed, or in challenging situations. They serve alongside first responders, in hospitals or other institutions, with the military, in prisons and jails, and in other situations. Hear from nine individuals about their journeys into chaplaincy, how they serve, and how they bring the love of Christ to those in need. This podcast is produced in partnership with the LCMS Office of National Mission. Find all episodes via the tag "Bring the Love of Christ."