Efrem Windom joined The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) team in July as the Director of Spiritual Life, but many residents affectionately call him “The Outlook Pastor.” In his role, he provides spiritual care, guidance and emotional support to residents and teammates. He also leads Bible studies and grief classes for residents across all levels of care at OAW, as well as manages community volunteer opportunities. We caught up with Efrem to learn more about him, personally and professionally.
Professionally, I am passionate about:
I am passionate about spreading the love of Christ, sharing teachings that enhance the lives of others and making a positive impact on everyone who encounters me. I am also passionate about writing books that provide wisdom and insight for daily living.
What drew you to serve in a senior living community?
This role is the ultimate opportunity for me to serve in a way that I have never served before. After being a senior pastor for more than 25 years, I had never focused on mainly serving the generation who came before me. Serving the senior community is just like serving my own parents.
What does spiritual care mean to you in the OAW community?
Spiritual care means caring for the whole person and not just focusing on their faith traditions or beliefs. It means sharing the practical teachings of Christ. Spiritual care means serving and it means being ready when called upon to pray, encourage, lead and love.
How do you approach supporting residents of different faith traditions or those with no faith tradition at all?
I support residents of different faith traditions and those with no faith traditions in the same way, I choose to love everyone just as Jesus did. At the end of the day, we are all humans and deserve to be cared for and loved. I do my part and I leave the rest up to God. If anyone wants to talk to me about their faith tradition or their lack of, my door is always open.
What have residents taught you about life, aging or faith that has stayed with you?
The residents have taught me a few things that stick with me daily:
1. Always be your authentic self and no one else.
2. As we age in life, it’s important to share your wisdom with others.
3. Grow closer to God each day.
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities?
I truly believe what sets OAW apart from other communities is the heart of our leadership team, the camaraderie amongst our teammates and the positive, spiritual culture that resonates here. Everyone at OAW believes in the values and vision of Forefront Living. Also, our state-of-the-art facilities and amenities are top-notch!
I am most proud of:
I am most proud of being a husband and father, as well as writing five books!
In my free time, I enjoy:
In my free time I love to spend time with my wife, travel, read, fish and produce music. On my days off, you can find me working around the house completing my “honey-dos” or watching sports.
My favorite foods/restaurants include:
My favorite cuisine is Mexican food, and I love dining at Gloria’s and Mi Cocina. My favorite items to order are burritos, nachos and enchiladas, although my favorite dish is blackened salmon served with rice.
Share about your family:
I am married to my gorgeous wife, Alicia, and we have a beautiful blended family, which includes a total of seven kids. Alicia has seven grandkids and I have two granddaughters. One was born on my birthday, September 16, and the newest addition was just born on September 8! Our Aussie Doodle named Prince rounds out our family. I am also the oldest of five siblings.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
My friends would describe me as caring, talented and intelligent.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
People may be surprised to learn that I am an award-winning Gospel music producer and songwriter and that I am very interested in the study of snakes. They may also be surprised that I am an ambivert, a person with both introvert and extrovert traits. However, I consider myself more of an introvert.
What would you love for people to know about the spiritual life of older adults?
I would love for people to know that the spiritual life of older adults is SIMPLE! They don’t make things complex, they are just open to receiving love.
By Amee McGough
Professional Photos by Sarah Macias
