“Sharing stories of trauma and providing guidance can take a toll. It’s not a skill all pastors and clergy are trained in unless they’ve done Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)”
Rev. Amy Crowe’s journey is one defined by a deep sense of purpose intertwined with a love for her community, her faith, and the call to serve. From her roots on the East Coast to her current role as a vital figure in Maui’s spiritual and communal landscape, Amy’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication.
Born and raised in Delaware, Amy felt called to a life of service and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Theology and Bible from Eastern University and a Masters of Divinity Degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. But it was a move to Hawai‘i that would mark a significant chapter in her life.
Amy’s love for Hawai‘i grew swiftly, prompting her to extend her Clinical Pastoral Education residency with Pacific Health Ministry and eventually return after a brief stint back in Delaware. “I loved Hawai‘i so much and enjoyed the work in hospital ministry,” she explains. It was during this time that she found her calling as a chaplain, drawn to the intersection of spirituality and healthcare.
Over the years, Amy’s journey led her to various roles within the community, including spearheading the Pacific Health Ministry chaplaincy program at Maui Memorial Medical Center and serving at the Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina. However, it was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that truly tested her resolve and highlighted the essential nature of her work.
“The chaplains had to create a new way of doing it because families couldn’t be at the bedside,” Amy recalls. “Instead of being in-person, we had to call families to offer support. Although it was tough, the families really appreciated it.” As the pandemic reshaped traditional modes of spiritual care, she and her colleagues adapted, providing support to patients and families amidst unprecedented challenges.
Currently, Amy serves with Pacific Health Ministry as the Maui Disaster Recovery Spiritual Care Program Coordinator. In her new role, which is part of the Maui Disaster Recovery Grant funded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she is able to support local clergy and foster unity in the aftermath of the wildfires.
Since January, she has been meeting with clergy and faith leaders involved in disaster relief efforts. Reflecting on her experiences, “Sharing stories of trauma and providing guidance can take a toll. It’s not a skill all pastors and clergy are trained in unless they’ve done Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).” Amy recounts a meeting with a disaster worker who remarked, ‘Wow! How great is it that PHM is there because you’re there to find the pulse of all the faith traditions on the island.’ Amy’s goal in this position is to create support groups and foster an environment of unity among all parishioners.
Amy also supports the current Maui Extended CPE Program which offers an opportunity for local clergy that would like to further their education and provide better spiritual care for their communities, congregations, and temples.
Rev. Amy participated in initiatives like The Interfaith Alliance of Maui creating a space where all are welcome, irrespective of faith or background. Having recently attended the inaugural meeting, Amy said, “I think it has a lot of potential to bring unity and support.”
Rev. Amy’s commitment to service remains unwavering. Whether meeting with clergy, coordinating relief efforts, or simply lending a listening ear, she embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience that defines Maui’s community and the Pacific Health Ministry ‘ohana.