Honorees

Champion for Spiritual Care Award

Mike Mullender, PhD, BCC

ACPE proudly recognizes Mike Mullender as the inaugural recipient of the Champion for Spiritual Care award.

Mike Mullender serves as the Chief Mission and Ministry Officer for Baylor Scott & White Health.   Prior to his appointment in February 2021, he served as Director of Pastoral Care at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for 11 years.  Serving the organization for more than 34 years, Mike enjoys building a strong spiritual culture which engages diverse employees and community partners to support healing and wellness for all people.

Early in his career, Mike’s team established one of the nation’s first outpatient spiritual care programs to serve older adults.  Over the next 20 years, the team partnered with the health system foundation to raise over $2 million in support of this innovative ministry.  Throughout his career, Mike has provided spiritual care and leadership in a variety of health care settings.  In 2009, he received the Baylor Health Care System “CEO Award” for outstanding care of family members and colleagues.  In 2023, he received the inaugural “Drayton McClane ‘Keep Charging Award’” for leadership during the pandemic.

Mike is an endorsed chaplain with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and is active in Baptist life.  He holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he studied pastoral care and gerontology.  A board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains, he also holds a BME from Baylor University and first fulfilled his calling to ministry through music and youth ministry.

Mike’s wife, Julie, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, serving at South Hills High School in Fort Worth, TX.  They have two daughters and one son who are in college and graduate school.  Mike enjoys attending athletic events, family celebrations and watching the deer and turkey in the evenings as they come through a field behind his back yard.

Mike’s leadership showcases a commitment to spiritual care and holistic health in healthcare. His efforts emphasize the role of spiritual health in enhancing patient experiences and outcomes within healthcare systems. Mike will accept this honor on May 21st at the ACPE Annual Chair’s Banquet in Minneapolis, MN.