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Pastor Arlen’s Ministry of Presence at Emerald Crest

At Emerald Crest, moments of connection often happen in the simplest ways: a shared story, a familiar smile or a quiet prayer. For Chaplain Arlen Solem, these everyday interactions are at the heart of his ministry with residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss. “In my role at Emerald Crest, I see people in their everyday lives,” Pastor Arlen says. “In that aspect, I become a pastor to them.” Many of the residents he visits haven’t been able to attend church for years. Some never had a church home. “I fill that role in their regular lives,” he explains. “I’m their pastor in the small moments: when we talk, when we pray, when we sit together.”

Meeting Residents Where They Are

Each day brings new opportunities to connect with residents, families and staff. When someone moves in, Pastor Arlen makes a point to visit, learn their story and talk with family members. “Part of my role is definitely to families too,” he says. “They see the loss most clearly because they remember who their loved one used to be. I walk alongside them through that.” For residents, trust takes time and patience. “People with dementia do learn new things,” he says. “It just takes them longer.” He recalls one resident who often became anxious and confused, asking, “Where am I?” Gently, he reminded her she was in Hopkins “right down the street from your church,” and that he knew her children and even that she was high school valedictorian. “She said, ‘You know me,’ and I told her, ‘I do.’ After that, she relaxed. She knew what I was saying was true because I knew her.”

Listening, Remembering and Reassuring

Much of Pastor Arlen’s ministry is simply about being with people. He avoids questions that might cause frustration, instead focusing on connection. “I’ll tell them stories they’ve told me before to remind them of their own life in their own words,” he says. “That recognition brings peace.” He also enjoys hearing residents’ stories, even when he has heard them many times before. “Many times, you hear the same story and a different detail comes out that didn’t come out at different times. People remember different things about it,” Pastor Arlen says. “I love hearing these stories.” Sometimes it’s simply sitting beside someone, making eye contact or sharing pictures. “For most of our people, a long conversation isn’t something they can or want to do,” he explains. “But that presence, even for a few minutes, is meaningful.”

The Power of Worship

Through worship services, residents connect with each other, Pastor Arlen and, most importantly, God. Residents typically sing one to three familiar hymns and pray the Lord’s Prayer, which many people know by heart, even if they don’t remember that they do. Family members often join their loved ones for services, adding another layer of familiarity. “When you do church service like that, people know where they are and know what to do,” Pastor Arlen says.

Finding Grace in Small Moments

Each day is full of grace-filled encounters, sometimes profound, sometimes playful. “You just learn different things with different people,” Pastor Arlen says. “I don’t proselytize. I just try to be a companion and a friend.” It’s a ministry of presence, where connection happens through shared stories, songs and silence alike. And it’s through those moments he says he witnesses the strength and faith of the residents he serves. “Our residents give us faith,” Pastor Arlen reflects. “They show me peace, joy and trust in ways that deepen my own faith.” At Emerald Crest, his ministry reminds us that spiritual care isn’t always found in sermons or scripture readings. It’s often found in presence, patience and the simplicity of being together.

For questions about our spiritual care program, or if you would like spiritual care and support for you or your loved one, contact Chaplain Arlen Solem.

For tours and general information, we encourage you to contact us with any questions or requests, or directly contact Liz Wendel.