Many Americans believe the next decade will be marked by significant societal problems.
A majority say they are worried about economic insecurity, political division, environmental imbalance, a sense of a lack of personal safety, the limits of healthcare systems and other serious challenges (Pew Research Center, 2019). We need more hope, more nurturing of our deep human identity as God’s children and more love in action.
In the midst of these challenges, Adventist Health employees and healthcare providers are living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.
The work of healthcare is deeply ingrained in Adventism. Our church founders — Ellen White, Joseph Bates, James White, William Miller and others — spoke widely and often in public spheres about the need for health reform at a time when the state of public health in the U.S. was grim. Their work — our work today — is deeply embedded in the transformational humanitarian movement of Jesus who “healed every disease" and "had compassion” (Matt. 9:35–36).
Adventist Health provides healthcare for human beings within the context of their ultimate identity as creatures made in the image of God. Each executive, physician and hospital employee is mobilized to carry out this mission, but hospital chaplains carry heavy responsibilities to support the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, their family members, caregivers and healthcare employees.
As spiritual care providers, chaplains play an important role in the story of Adventist healthcare and loving in the way of Jesus. We invite you into a glimpse of their work to carry forward our healing ministry.
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