Presbyterian Senior Living | Team Members
For four and a half years, Ron Standiford has served as the Chaplain at Glen Meadows, a Presbyterian Senior Living (PSL) community. His journey to ministry—and ultimately to Glen Meadows—was marked by unexpected turns, a dedication to serving others, and a deep appreciation for PSL’s mission. Since joining Glen Meadows during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron has become an integral part of the community, providing comfort, support, and spiritual guidance to residents and staff alike..
An Unconventional Path to Ministry
Ron’s journey to becoming a chaplain began in an unexpected place—law school. As a night law student, Ron balanced his studies with a demanding work schedule. However, his life took a different path when he was approached by teenagers from a local church asking him to lead their youth group. Though he was already busy, Ron was drawn to the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. It was through this role that he realized he wanted to pursue a life dedicated to ministry.
Knowing he needed a strong theological foundation to guide young people effectively, Ron asked a friend for seminary recommendations. He ultimately chose Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, where he completed both a Master of Religion and a Master of Divinity. “The decision to attend seminary changed everything for me,” he says, reflecting on his journey from law student to pastor and, eventually, chaplain. His path led him to church leadership positions, founding a classical school with his wife, and working in a range of roles within his faith community. When the chaplain at Glen Meadows retired, Ron was already known in the community from his role in a local church rotation, and he was encouraged to apply. He did, and the rest is history.
Guided by Mission and Faith
Ron’s decision to join PSL was significantly influenced by the organization’s mission statement. “The mission statement is the most important document—it sets the course and defines who you are and what you’re about,” he says. The emphasis on being “guided by the life and teachings of Jesus” resonated deeply with Ron, who saw this as an opportunity to engage in a Christ-centered ministry. PSL’s mission allowed Ron the freedom to serve a diverse group of residents, including those who had been involved in church communities their entire lives, and others who were new to exploring their spirituality.
This alignment with PSL’s mission has kept Ron focused on his purpose. “Some residents here have been active in church communities for decades, while others are just beginning to explore faith,” he explains. With a steady presence and open heart, Ron welcomes them all. His focus on creating an inclusive space for spiritual exploration allows residents to grow in their faith journey, regardless of their starting point.
A Close-Knit Community Built on Respect and Support
Ron describes Glen Meadows as a place where everyone—residents and staff alike—feels like family. “It’s like going to work with your friends every day,” he says. The sense of community at Glen Meadows is not just about shared space but a genuine respect for each person’s role and expertise. Ron finds joy in the way staff members support each other and share a commitment to providing the best possible experience for the residents. “We respect each other in our fields of expertise and support one another when needed,” he explains, emphasizing how this teamwork enables them to deliver exceptional care.
Given PSL’s mission, Ron felt that prayer should be a natural part of their daily routine. He advocated for this change, and now prayer is a valued part of the team’s meetings. “If I can’t be there, another team member will step in to lead the prayer,” he says. This inclusion of prayer reflects the deeply supportive culture that has developed at Glen Meadows.
Ministering During COVID-19: Creative Connection
Ron joined Glen Meadows during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many residents were isolated in their rooms and unable to gather for services. Undeterred, Ron found a creative way to meet residents where they were by teaming up with the fitness director to deliver the “Happy Hour cart.”
Together, they brought refreshments to residents’ doors within the patio homes, giving Ron a chance to introduce himself and begin forming relationships. “Going room to room with the Happy Hour cart allowed me to meet residents in a light-hearted way, even while we were all wearing masks,” he recalls. This simple yet impactful approach allowed Ron to connect with residents, and as restrictions eased, they already knew him by name. The cart became more than just a delivery service—it was a way to build trust and community during a challenging time.
A Diverse and Inclusive Spiritual Life
At Glen Meadows, Ron oversees a wide range of spiritual services and activities, from Bible studies to ecumenical worship services. His approach is open and inclusive, designed to meet residents where they are in their faith journey. “We have a mix of people here—some lifelong churchgoers and some who have never been to a Bible study,” he explains. His goal is to make everyone feel welcome and provide meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth.
The worship schedule at Glen Meadows reflects this inclusive philosophy. On Sunday afternoons, Ron leads an ecumenical service focused on the teachings of Jesus. Local clergy members from different denominations, including a Catholic priest and an Anglican minister, also visit to provide services for residents of those faiths.
Additionally, Ron has started exploring options for an Old Testament study to serve the Jewish residents, who recently expressed interest. “I’m thankful that residents feel comfortable sharing what they need spiritually,” he says, underscoring his commitment to listening to and responding to the spiritual interests of his community.
Meaningful Moments of Connection
For Ron, some of the most profound moments at Glen Meadows come during times of remembrance and honoring residents. Each year, Glen Meadows hosts an annual memorial service that brings together families and staff to honor residents who have passed away. “Listening to families share stories of their loved ones and how faith touched their lives is deeply meaningful,” he shares. Ron finds that these gatherings offer a special opportunity for healing and connection, as residents and families reflect on the legacies of those who were part of the community.
Another cherished tradition is the annual ceremony in August, where residents honor the dining staff who are also college students with a small tuition contribution. “Residents take up a collection, and the ceremony is well attended by families and residents alike,” Ron explains. These events showcase the mutual respect and appreciation that characterize the Glen Meadows community.
Projects for Contemplation and Worship
As chaplain, Ron is always looking for ways to enhance the spiritual life of the campus. One ongoing project is the relocation and revitalization of the community’s labyrinth, originally created by a local Boy Scout troop. Over the years, the labyrinth has become overgrown, and Ron is working with a landscape architect to move it to a more accessible, peaceful location. “The goal is to create a user-friendly, contemplative space that residents can enjoy regularly,” he says, excited about the potential for residents to find peace and reflection there.
Another project close to Ron’s heart has been redesigning the chapel to make it a more worshipful and uncluttered space. With input from both residents and staff, he removed older decorations that didn’t align with the chapel’s purpose and replaced them with simple, meaningful banners featuring Scripture. “We want the chapel to be a focused, calming space where people can sit, pray, and reflect,” he explains. Ron’s dedication to making the chapel a welcoming sanctuary reflects his commitment to honoring the spiritual needs of both residents and employees.
A Chaplain’s Dedication to Building Each Other Up
Reflecting on his role, Ron speaks warmly about the collaborative and uplifting environment at Glen Meadows. He is grateful for a team that genuinely cares about each other’s well-being, a dynamic that he believes makes all the difference. “How can we build one another up? How can we encourage one another? That attitude is what makes Glen Meadows so special,” he says. Whether working with the Happy Hour cart, hosting Bible studies, or listening to residents’ stories, Ron finds joy in every part of his ministry.
Ron’s approach to his work is defined by humility, faith, and a dedication to meeting people where they are. His commitment to fostering a supportive and faith-centered environment has made a lasting impact on Glen Meadows, where he continues to guide residents and staff in their spiritual journeys with compassion and wisdom.