Human life is complex, but God provides direction that encourages the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual components of life to come together in a healthy, balanced way. That message is tantamount to the character of John Rapp, the new Adventist Midwest Health (AMH) Ministries and Mission regional executive director.

The youngest of seven in a fourth-generation Seventh-day Adventist family, Rapp said his relatives' influence and a sense of God’s calling led him to the ministry. “My grandfather was a senior pastor at Takoma Park [Adventist] Church. My father was a pediatric dentist. Both my parents were a big influence in my decision to go into ministry.” He has earned Master's and Doctor of Ministry degrees.

“The mission of the church is to preach, teach, and heal as in the ministry of Christ. The mission of Adventist Midwest Health and its hospitals and ancillary services provides an opportunity to extend the healing aspect to a community in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing,” said Rapp.

“Jesus has called us to have abundant life. I believe a significant part of the abundant life is to be as healthy as we can be during the different phases of our life’s journey. As part of Adventist Midwest Health, I am very interested in pursuing the healing aspect and to be more involved in community ministries,” said Rapp, who led churches in Calif., Fla., and Ill., before his journey into healthcare ministry took him across the street from Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served as pastor.

“There wasn’t one day in the six years I was there that I didn’t feel joy and honor in being pastor at the Hinsdale [Adventist] Church,” said Rapp, “but now I believe God called me to a new opportunity.”

His office is located on the campus of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, and his duties are strategic, programmatic, and relational. He will help determine how AMH extends the healing ministry of Christ to the community as a member of the executive council.

The Ministries and Mission department is responsible for planning programs and events—such as Spiritual Emphasis Week, National Day of Prayer Breakfast, the Blessing of Hands, and community concerts. Ministries and Mission also develops relationships with employees, patients and their families, and the community-at-large.

“I’ve inherited a wonderful staff of chaplains, assistants, and volunteers. I want each hospital to grow to be integrated into their communities and be seen as a spiritual center as well as providing excellent health care.”

Rapp likes to read, especially books on American history and U.S. presidents. He plays golf and enjoys swimming, tennis, and travel with his family—his wife of 21 years, Melanie, and daughters, Samantha, 16, and Lauren, 10. Melanie also works for AMH in Human Resources.

In expressing the balance he seeks in his life, Rapp shared how M. Scott Peck, M.D., author of The Road Less Traveled, describes love as extending yourself for the "physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare of another person.”

“I’m interested in honoring God and expanding His kingdom of love and grace in every area of life—personal, family, friends, and at work. I think that is what every believer is called to do.”

Lynn Larson, Adventist Midwest Health writer/media liaison