“My mission is to embrace and model BCN’s goal of easing pain and relieving stress to those nearing the end of life,” Sapp said. “I stand beside patients and loved ones with sincerity, respect and offer a hand to guide them through these difficult times. I like to say that I’m walking my patients safely home.”

As a chaplain, Sapp serves as a professional spiritual counselor and a significant contributing member of the clinical interdisciplinary team. She collaborates with local clergy, administers sacraments and provides worship opportunities to patients. She appreciates the professional respect and autonomy her colleagues and BCN offer her.

“No two days are the same, and I love variety,” she said. “I work with the most professional, compassionate, dedicated team members. Not only do I work with them, but I feel valued and honored by them. I love hearing my colleagues say, ‘Esther’s my chaplain!’”

Sapp’s patients have taught her that every day is a gift to cherish, and everyone has a story to tell. She recalled one woman she met in November 2021 who had suffered a stroke. At the time, the patient could slowly feed herself, but expressed that she felt trapped by the situation. Despite her changed physical abilities, she requested Count Your Blessings when Sapp asked for a favorite hymn.

Given her circumstances, Sapp wondered about her choice, but sang it anyway. The disease progressed until the patient became confined to bed. In late January 2023, Sapp visited the woman for what would be the final time. She told her patient she would never forget her because of her choosing to sing Count Your Blessings on the first visit and for many other visits.

“Afterwards, I realized that I didn’t know if she was reminding me to count my blessings for myself or if she really felt like she still had enough blessings to count them,” Sapp said. “That is just one way that my patients inform my life.”

Before feeling a call to ministry, Sapp worked as a teacher in Michigan. She earned her M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary and has served in pastoral ministry, as a hospital chaplain, and a chaplain for a hospice group in Michigan prior to her role at BCN.

BCN’s primary goal is to provide compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and their families coping with serious illness. If your personal goals align with ours, we’d love to have you apply to join our team! View our open positions and apply at bgcarenav.org/careers.