My Story Alan Caden

Al Carden has spent his earthly life discovering ways to help others. His interest in music began as a kindergartener and developed over the next thirty years. He began singing in choirs in elementary school, junior high and high school. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree, graduating in 1976 majoring in voice. He went on to seminary to earn his master’s in music with an emphasis in conducting. He served numerous church congregations as their music minister.

In 1988, Al’s interest began to widen as he discovered those who suffered from alcohol, drug abuse, and psychiatric issues. He was introduced to a training program called clinical pastoral education (CPE) that was offered within hospital settings. Once enrolled, he began to grasp the numerous issues that plagued so many people while becoming aware of how his own painful issues contributed to his personal journey. After completing his clinical pastoral education training, he accepted a chaplain position in a hospital containing a psychiatric and chemical dependency program with the responsibility to minister to such needs.

As time went on, Al became involved in hospital chaplaincy positions within tertiary hospitals caring for cancer and intensive care patients. It was during this period that he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. The CPE training program that opened the door for his chaplaincy ministry invited him to take the next step to become a training supervisor for those interested in becoming chaplains. In 2009, Al was granted his supervisory position and began offering such training within the hospitals he served. In 2016, Al accepted a position as director of chaplaincy at a children’s hospital. He continued this position for five years offering a vision based upon his own spiritual path.