Spiritual care plays an important role in Cassia’s senior living communities, helping residents find comfort, connection, and purpose. At Cornerstone Assisted Living in Plymouth, Minnesota, Chaplain Jon Richason provides that support through worship services, personal visits, Bible studies, and compassionate listening.

Led to Cornerstone

Growing up in Minnesota, Jon not only had a strong faith, but also a passion for others to understand the Bible and experience a life-transforming relationship with God. His ministry journey took him to Wisconsin. As he and his wife were desiring to move back to Minnesota, a job posting for the Cornerstone chaplain position caught his eye.

“As I read the job description, I could not help but sense that the position fit my skills, abilities, and passions very well,” Jon says.

He was especially intrigued by working for Cassia to follow in the footsteps of two mentors: chaplain Hank Griffith and his grandfather-in-law Ed Bender, who had served as vice president of spiritual life for Elim Care, Cassia’s predecessor.

Why Older Adults?

Jon’s close relationship with his grandfather laid the foundation for serving older adults.

“Through knowing him well, as well as getting to know some of his friends, I came to see that spending time with older adults is a joy for me,” Jon says.

That relationship in addition to his connections to Hank and Ed inspired him to pursue a career in senior living.

He continues to enjoy building relationships with older adults, with faith at the center of those relationships.

“The most rewarding part of chaplaincy for me is to share God’s Word with people through preaching and teachings, as well as getting to know residents and hear about their lives,” Jon says.

What Spiritual Care Means at Cornerstone

Jon believes that everyone needs spiritual care.

“Everyone is on a spiritual journey, whether they realize it or not,” he says. “It is important because spiritual journeys can be long, difficult roads that can be confusing.”

His role at Cornerstone supports residents on that journey.

“I see myself as a guide who walks with people on their journey, pointing them toward Jesus,” Jon says. “It would seem like spiritual journeys get tougher with age, making spiritual care vital.”

Through his work as a senior living chaplain, Jon helps residents navigate aging, loss, and life’s transitions while supporting their spiritual well-being.

Life as a Chaplain

Jon spends his days with residents in many ways.

“I enjoy visiting residents during meals, in the rooms, and at activities,” he says. “Though much of my time visiting residents focuses on asking questions, getting to know the residents, and sharing Jesus with them, I also enjoy playing games with them. One of our favorite games here at Cornerstone is a dice game called Farkle.”

Programs that Nurture Faith and Community

For assisted living residents, Jon leads a chapel service, hymn service, Bible study, activity, and a men’s group.

For memory care residents, Jon leads a Bible study and an activity.

In addition to these formal activities and programs, Jon also offers one-on-one spiritual support and pastoral visits.

These programs are an important part of the community’s spiritual care offerings and help residents stay connected to their faith.

Being Present in Difficult Moments

Older adults go through many changes in life, and faith can be a steadying presence.

“I have learned that even with change in life—aging, losing family members and friends, difficult diagnoses, and inability to participate in things you used to do—faith can ground you in a never-changing, secure, and eternal identity in Christ,” Jon says.

Jon goes through life’s difficulties with Cornerstone’s residents and their loved ones by listening, understanding, and simply being present. He then provides encouragement, prayer, guidance and resources.

Caring for People of All Faith Backgrounds

Jon strives to serve all residents, regardless of faith background.

“I seek to get to know them, as well as what they may need of me, as their chaplain,” he says. “I seek to meet them where they are at, and meet their needs. However, if I am unable to meet their need because it is too different than what I believe or am uncomfortable performing said faith care, I will connect them with someone who can.”

Residents Stories

One of Jon’s favorite moments was seeing two residents share their faith with another resident.

“This new resident was intently listening and ended up starting a relationship with God herself,” Jon says.

Another resident has mobility and health challenges, but still enthusiastically attends services.

Ministered to by a Resident

Jon recalls visiting a memory care resident who was passing away. While her memory and body were failing her, her faith was not, as she both sang hymns and asked Jon if he loved Jesus.

“Here I was going to minister to her and she was ministering to me,” Jon says. “After her passing, I shared this experience with her family, who was beyond encouraged.”

This story had a profound impact on many, and helped Jon serve others.

“It propelled my relationship with the family, giving me many opportunities to care well for them,” Jon says. “This story went on to touch the hearts of all who attended her funeral, as well as the community of Cornerstone.”

Strengthening the Cornerstone Community

For many Cornerstone residents, a relationship with God is at the center of their lives.

“Because of this, there is no more powerful or effective way to serve, care for, or build community than the spiritual life avenue,” Jon says.

Faith provides support for those who may not have much support beyond the Cornerstone community.

“For folks who don’t have much family or support, the Christian community here has the ability to give them much needed family,” Jon says.

In a faith-based senior living setting, spiritual life programming helps residents build meaningful relationships while finding comfort and encouragement.

More than a Chaplain

As a chaplain, Jon serves as a spiritual guide, listener, teacher, and friend. He enjoys witnessing and being a part of the meaningful impact spiritual care has on residents, families, and staff, in line with Cassia’s vision.

“I believe that spiritual life has allowed Cornerstone to create and maintain a culture that truly aligns with Cassia’s vision: To be a living expression of Christ’s love through extraordinary service and excellence.” Through worship services, Bible studies, personal visits, and pastoral care, Jon helps make spiritual care an important part of daily life at Cornerstone Assisted Living. His work demonstrates how a senior living chaplain can support residents and families while helping build a strong, caring community centered on faith and connection