Minister’s Second Career Leads Him to Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne

Harold Jones’s later-in-life decision to become a minister benefits the residents of Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, who find comfort in his calming presence as the recently appointed chaplain of the senior living community. 

Jones was in his mid-fifties when he decided to pursue a calling that had always spoken to him, even though he had spent the first half of his career working in factory production.  

“It was a calling to ministry that I’d been sensing all my life,” he says. “It was something where I had to say ‘Yes, God, this is something I should— with your help— do,’ or decide to continue on the same path.” 

Taking a different fork in the road required Jones to take 20 classes and to undergo an inquiry process. 

“It helps determine if you are really called to the ministry and what type of ministry you want to do,” he says.  

After being ordained, Jones, who lives in Fort Wayne with his wife, Kathie, worked in small, rural churches where the congregations were mainly older people.  

Pursuing the opportunity to become chaplain at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne was not a hard decision to make, especially because Jones grew up in Warren and was familiar with the quality and sterling reputation of Heritage Pointe Communities.  

Jones has spent his first two months in his new position getting to know the residents of Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne. He says this “gives me some insight into what they’d need me to pray for and to walk beside them in some challenging times.” 

Seniors often have concerns about failing health, worries about their adult children or grandchildren, and may be facing the death of a spouse or other loved one.  

“It’s a privilege for me to share in their moment of need and to provide comfort,” he says.  

Despite the challenges many of us may face, Jones says he helps residents “pray for the grace to accept what each day brings.”   

Jones says the relationships he builds with residents are the best part of his job.  

“What brings me satisfaction is connecting with people in a special way,” he says. “It’s all about connecting with their hearts. We become family.”  

Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne offers two Sunday worship services, which are led by pastors from the local community. Jones steps in to preach or help out as needed at these services, which include one geared for people in memory care, which is shorter in length and offers a briefer sermon.  

“Even though their memories might be limited, you can see they are connecting with the spirit, and it is comforting for them,” he says.  

He also enjoys meeting and talking with the residents’ family members. 

Jones says that Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne is different than other senior living communities. “You sense a bit of holiness in the community when you enter the front door,” he says. “You sense the love and caring –a sense of a holy presence here.”