Ministry Formation Staff

Darren Henson, CHA's Senior Director, Ministry Formation, is a theologian with years of experience in enlivening the Mission of Catholic health care. Drawing from the Catholic theological, social and spiritual tradition, he inspires the integration of mission and values throughout health care ministries.In his most recent role, Darren served as Associate Vice President at Providence St. Joseph Health's Formation Institute. Prior service includes his time as Senior Vice President of Mission and Discernment at Presence Health in Chicago, which coincided with its merger into Ascension. He also served at Mercy as VP of Mission, at two rural acute-care hospitals and physician clinics. With experience in national, regional, and rural settings, Darren brings a nuanced understanding of unique ministry needs to his role at CHA.Darren also served the American Hospital Association as Director of its Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. Before his health care career, he served in various pastoral ministry roles for over a decade with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.Darren earned a Ph.D. in religious studies with a specialization in Catholic theology and health care from Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI). He completed graduate theology degrees from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, IL), including a Licentiate in Sacred Theology—a pontifical degree,  and a bachelor’s degree in international business from Drake University (Des Moines, IA).Darren authored a chapter in CHA’s book, Incarnate Grace: Perspectives on the Ministry of Catholic Health Care and numerous articles appearing with the USCCB, CHA’s Health Progress, and Theological Studies among others.He has served on several boards, including the Supportive Care Coalition, the American Society of Bioethics and Humanities, and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.Contact