Soldier • Scholar • Servant
From the Cotton Fields to Christ's Service
The Rev. Dr. Donald R. Hayes, DTh, DMin
Early Life
Rooted in Southern Faith
Born on March 21, 1955, in South Carolina, The Rev. Dr. Donald R. Hayes was raised in a family whose roots reflected both the hardships and enduring faith of the American South.
His grandparents represented generations of perseverance, from farming the land behind a pair of mules to serving faithfully as church leaders and providers for their families. These humble beginnings instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, faithfulness, and service.
Growing up alongside his twin brother Ronald, Dr. Hayes experienced both profound family joy and heartbreaking loss. The passing of his infant brother Stephen before the twins' birth shaped the family's understanding of God's providence and the precious gift of life.
Those early experiences would later influence his lifelong ministry of compassion toward grieving families, hospice patients, and those facing life's greatest hardships.
Scholar
An Education Across Continents
Following graduation from West Florence High School, Dr. Hayes attended Wofford College, where he participated in collegiate athletics while serving in numerous student leadership roles.
His theological journey eventually led him across the Atlantic to L'Abri Fellowship in Huémoz, Switzerland, where he studied under renowned Christian philosopher Francis Schaeffer.
He later earned advanced theological degrees and completed theological studies at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University, continuing his lifelong appreciation for Anglican scholarship and the writings of C.S. Lewis.
West Florence High School
Florence, South Carolina.
Wofford College
Collegiate athletics and student leadership.
L'Abri Fellowship
Huémoz, Switzerland — studied under Francis Schaeffer.
St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University
Theological studies.
Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
Cum laude.
Doctor of Theology (DTh)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Service & Orders
Clinical Pastoral Education
Trained for the Bedside
Dr. Hayes completed six units of Clinical Pastoral Education through the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP):
4
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
Pinehurst, North Carolina
2
Conway Medical Center
Conway, South Carolina
Priest, Chaplain, and Counselor
Many Callings, One Calling
Dr. Hayes has devoted decades to pastoral ministry through parish leadership, military chaplaincy, clinical pastoral education, hospice care, trauma counseling, and community outreach.
Ordained Priest
Anglican Church in North America.
Chaplain Colonel
South Carolina State Guard.
Volunteer Clinical Chaplain
Presence and prayer in hospital care.
Hospice Chaplain
Walking with patients and families at life's end.
PTSD Care Specialist
Pastoral care for those carrying trauma.
Teacher
Teaching Scripture and theology faithfully.
Author
The Faith Series and other writings.
Conference Speaker
Proclaiming Christ to gatherings near and far.
His ministry is centered upon Christ's healing presence among those experiencing suffering, grief, loneliness, and spiritual need.
Influences
Voices That Shaped His Ministry
C.S. Lewis
Whose writings demonstrate that even the most skeptical heart can encounter Jesus Christ and be transformed by His grace.
Tim Keller
For his faithful application of biblical truth to everyday life and his emphasis on principled Christian living.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Whose life exemplified sacrificial discipleship and the call to reject “cheap grace” in favor of wholehearted obedience to Christ.
Legacy Statement
"I am devoted to advancing Christ's Kingdom at home and abroad by proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, and that the gate is narrow and few find it. My life's work is to faithfully teach His Word while offering hope, healing, restoration, and renewal to all who seek Him."
— The Rev. Dr. Donald R. Hayes
Soldier • Scholar • Servant
Whether preaching from the pulpit, praying beside a hospital bed, counseling grieving families, teaching theology, or writing books on Christian faith, Dr. Hayes seeks to fulfill one calling: to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and lead others toward restoration, renewal, and eternal hope.