Medicine as Ministry 2026: Stories from the Inner City

A Day Set Apart

Pre-health students from Baylor University gathered at Dayspring Baptist Church for a full day of faith-centered growth. Surrounded by the beauty of the church grounds, students shared meals, worshiped together, engaged in meaningful discussions, and spent time in prayer alongside physicians from CCHF.

The morning began with breakfast and fellowship before gathering in the chapel for worship and the opening talk from Dr. Wayne Detmer. Dr. Detmer completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University and earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Board certified in family medicine and licensed in Illinois, he has served at Lawndale Christian Health Center since 1999, where he also serves as Chief Clinical Officer of Operations. He and his wife, Gina, have raised their four children in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago—the very community he serves.

Drawing from his life and work in Lawndale, Dr. Detmer shared stories from the inner city that revealed how deeply life circumstances shape faith, health, and opportunity. He challenged students to consider how physicians must adjust their perspective in order to truly serve a community—starting not from assumptions, but from humility and presence. His testimony illustrated how healthcare can extend beyond clinic walls, including initiatives such as establishing gym facilities and hydroponic farms to promote preventive health and community flourishing.

Learning to Listen

Following the opening session, students broke into small groups to practice different forms of prayer. With Dr. Chad Thompson, participants engaged in Lectio Divina—a meditative practice of reading (lectio), reflecting (meditatio), responding in prayer (oratio), and resting in contemplation (contemplatio). With Dr. Lauren Barron, students practiced centering prayer, learning to quiet their thoughts and return to a sacred word in order to cultivate attentive listening.

In both settings, students strengthened their ability to center their prayer on patient listening and reflection—essential skills not only for spiritual formation but also for compassionate medical practice.

After lunch and time outdoors, the afternoon invited creative reflection. Through artistic journaling and collage-making, students prayerfully considered their own stories and discerned who God is calling them to become. The retreat concluded with a final message from Dr. Detmer, who reflected on the profound influence of upbringing and community—and the powerful difference healthcare professionals can make when they begin at the neighborhood level.

I am deeply grateful for the intentional space to engage in meaningful conversations, reflect, and pray over my future. I truly feel that I left the retreat with greater clarity surrounding my passions, beliefs, and spiritual direction. 

-Student Attendee