For many students at Montreal Diocesan Theological College, the path to ministry is as unique as their own story. For Kelsey Cunningham, that path has been shaped by personal experience, curiosity, and a desire to integrate spiritual care with holistic health practices.
“I’m mostly interested in pursuing chaplaincy,” Kelsey explains. “I don’t have a fixed denomination, so it’s been a very interesting opportunity to be exposed to the United Church, Presbyterians, Anglicanism, as well as Baptists, all under one roof. Our classes are ecumenical in practice, which is great. We have denominational courses, of course, but the pastoral courses allow us to hear from a variety of faith perspectives.”
Kelsey’s interest in chaplaincy began with a deeply personal experience. When her sister was diagnosed with cancer, a journey that lasted five years, she witnessed firsthand the transformative work of pastoral care. “I was really impressed with how the chaplain could help her make meaning of what she was going through, even as a teenager. At the time, I didn’t even have the vocabulary to talk about ministry, because I grew up completely unchurched. But seeing that calm presence, that reframing of hope in a terminal situation, was truly inspiring. It made me see how I could walk with people through those journeys.”
This experience has also shaped Kelsey’s professional ambitions. “My hope is to integrate acupuncture into a hospital or palliative care setting, not just for patients, but for their families as well. Acupuncture is very helpful in managing anxiety, improving sleep, and supporting the body alongside conventional medical treatment. In Chinese medicine, the body and spirit aren’t separate, and I see chaplaincy in a similar holistic way, caring for both the physical and spiritual well-being of those we serve.”
Kelsey also values the diversity and global perspectives she encounters at Dio. “We have classmates from across Canada and around the world: the U.S., Ghana, Kenya, Korea, and more. This mix doesn’t just bring ecumenical perspectives, but global ones. The blind spots each of us has are often illuminated by someone else’s experiences, and that has been incredibly valuable.”
She appreciates the school’s emphasis on community as well. “At first, the chapel services, morning and evening prayers, and shared meals felt overwhelming. But it quickly became clear that these aren’t just formalities. The school genuinely invites us to worship together and share meals, and that sincerity makes a big difference.”
Intercultural experiences, particularly learning from First Nations communities, have reinforced Kelsey’s holistic understanding of care. “It’s not just about body and spirit, but also our relationship with the land. Being cut off from our natural environment can contribute to spiritual and physical malaise. That perspective has been eye-opening for me.”
While she is still discerning her denominational affiliation, her direction in ministry is clear: “I’m not sure about ordination yet, but I feel pulled toward chaplaincy right now.”
Ultimately, Kelsey’s journey at Dio is about integrating knowledge, faith, and practice in a way that is lived and embodied. “The experiences here have deepened my understanding of theology as something practiced, not just studied abstractly. For me, that emphasizes the pastoral side of ministry, helping congregants and supporting them, rather than adhering to rigid theology.”
