Joe Ivie

BAYCARE HEALTH SYSTEMS, FL Joe serves as the Director of Mission and Ethics, for the Polk Region Hospitals (BayCare Health Systems) in Florida. He has an M.Div. from Regent University, ordained, and is Board Certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Shortly after coming to know Christ, he was called to the pastoral ministry and served at several churches in Florida and Virginia over the years. Joe writes, “When I made the transition from the church pastorate to hospital chaplaincy, I was not leaving pastoral ministry. The people that I was ministering to in the hospital and some of the reasons they needed my ministry changed, but the clear call of the gospel did not. I have always viewed my call to hospital chaplaincy as a continuation of the ministerial and pastoral call. I strive to always be an example of grace and compassion to others, to provide presence and guidance, and to be ready with an answer for the hope that I have. In other words, I have continued my work and calling to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and keep him at the center of any ministry that I provide.” Joe and his wife, Jennifer are Military veterans. They have 5 children, 4 adult sons and a daughter in heaven.