Campus Minister Ira DeSpain sees connections between health and religion
By Sara Bell

Whether he is dressed as Elvis or wearing his pulpit robe and cross necklace, Ira DeSpain plays multiple roles on Baker’s campus. DeSpain has served as the Baker University minister for 18 years, but he is also an adviser for Baker Ambassadors, Student Activities Council, and Kappa Sigma. However, DeSpain not only knows how to stay spirituality fit but physically fit as well.

Psychological research correlates spirituality and longevity. A 1999 U.S. National Health Interview Survey indicated non-church attenders had a lower life expectancy in years. This is linked to healthier lifestyle choices and lower stress levels.

View an audio slideshow of DeSpain providing directions to BU students at the start of a Halloween scavenger hunt sponsored by Baker Ambassadors

“I work hard myself at staying healthy,” DeSpain said. “I use the running time as a devotion time. Sometimes I will think about conversations that I am going to have. So I’ll pray about those and it seems to make my day go better and it helps me stay healthy.” DeSpain said that others can see these same health benefits by using the “time in between times” to enjoy the day or think about things that are important to their heart.

“Being able to sit (in my office) as a faithful person, recognizing that no matter what the details are that are happening today there is a bigger picture,” De Spain said. “And sometimes that’s a stress reliever for a lot of people whether they are faithful or not.”

DeSpain said students deaths are the most stressful situations he has encountered at Baker. During times of distress, he said it is only by the “grace of God” that he is able to make it through.

“Being a college campus minister isn’t an easy job,” said senior Sara Schwarz. “So I know he relies on his faith to not only help him work though stressful times and situations, but also to help students, faculty, friends, and families through their own stressful situations.”

However, DeSpain said that spirituality can also cause stress at times. “As persons of faith we are called to help other people,” De Spain said. “So sometimes doing what your faith calls you to do adds things to your life and makes you more busy and more scattered.

Assistant to the campus minister Kris Oehlert said it is DeSpain’s faith that is able to keep him calm during stressful situations. “When something happens that might make one want to really react in a negative way, he doesn’t,” Oehlert said. “He takes a step back and never reacts off the cuff. He’s just very grounded.”