Chaplaincy Services

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is the ministry that attends to one’s spirit, religious faith and inner sources of strength. These spiritual resources affect one’s perspective on life and one’s capacity to respond to life’s changes.

Pastoral care acknowledges all persons’ spirituality, even those who profess no particular religious faith. At a time of crisis, most people engage in a search for meaning that can bring them hope and healing.

Elkhart General Chaplain

The Elkhart General Hospital Chaplain is a member of your healthcare team. In the midst of life’s changes, the chaplain can provide emotional and spiritual support that will enable you to meet your goals.

The support offered to you is drawn from your own beliefs and values. The chaplain's function is similar to that of a pastor, priest or rabbi.

What can be gained?

• Reconnection with inner strength
• Help with significant choices to be made
• Comfort at a time of grief
• A sense of God’s presence
• Religious ritual and prayer
• Hope

Here are some examples of how a chaplain may be helpful to you or a family member:

• You have a desire to discuss spiritual issues during your hospitalization.
• You are losing motivation and hope about your future.
• You are having difficulty accepting medical information in light of what you believe.
• You are missing the support of your family, friends and community of faith.
• You feel guilty or angry when other people use their religion or “God talk” to explain your situation.
• You would like support before surgery.
• You would like your minister or someone of your faith community to be contacted.

The Chapel

The Chapel is open 24 hours a day and can be found by taking the “B” Elevator to the Second Floor. The Chapel entrance is visible when you exit the elevator. Regular worship services are not offered by Elkhart General.

How to Reach the Chaplain

Chaplaincy Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The chaplain can be reached by calling (574) 523-3142 or by requesting that the EGH Switchboard page him. For off-hour and emergency needs, the chaplain can be paged by asking the nursing staff for assistance.