Hospital chaplains minister in the workplace

Posted: 11/16/07

Hospital chaplains minister in the workplace

By Jessica Dooley

Communications Intern

HARLINGEN—The workplace can be tough for someone going through a crisis. To help employees cope with difficulties at work and at home, some South Texas employers have opened their doors to spirituality in the workplace, and hospital chaplains have new avenues of service.

Chaplains from Valley Baptist Health Systems in Harlingen minister to several businesses in the area. They make rounds twice a month to banks, insurance companies, auto dealers and medical-related businesses.

“Businesses in the Valley and across the country are beginning to recognize that faith is a key component of reaching the heart of many employees,” said Joe Perez, vice president for pastoral services at Valley Baptist Health Systems said. “By affirming and addressing an employee’s spiritual needs, they will have more of the employee.”

Through Valley Baptist’s “Values Partners” program, businesses not only receive visits from chaplains, but also have access to licensed professional counselors and social workers—a distinction from most national chaplaincy programs.

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The chaplains’ mission is not to coerce or convert employees but to build relationships with employees by listening, praying and offering spiritual care in times of need.

“Chaplaincy is different than your local pastor coming out. A chaplain is broader. The role is not to lead but to walk with. It’s pastoral in nature,” Perez said.

Businesses in the area have found the program “very supportive” because it “builds trust in local business and provides a resource for times of struggle,” Perez added.

Most employees use chaplains when a family member or close friend is hospitalized. They ask if chaplains can visit their loved one in the hospital. When one business found out an employee had been murdered, the chaplains and counselors were there to provide support and debriefing sessions.

“Chaplains are good about going in the middle of trouble.” Perez said. “Sharing is therapeutic.”