Chaplaincy Services

At IU Health, we never forget that our patients are much more than simply a disease to be treated or an injury to be healed. We know each patient is a multifaceted person, with physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

That's why the people in the spiritual care and chaplaincy services department work closely with medical staff to assure the well-being of the whole person.

Concern for our patients and their loved ones is a long-standing tradition at IU Health. Our spiritual care department is one of the oldest in the country; its establishment dates back to 1937. Today, our purpose is to provide diverse ministries to enhance spiritual well-being, to educate for ministry and to be a prophetic voice for personal, communal and institutional wholeness.

About Our Services

Concern for our patients and their loved ones is a long-standing tradition at IU Health. Our spiritual care department is one of the oldest in the country; its establishment dates back to 1937. Today, our purpose is to provide diverse ministries to enhance spiritual well-being, to educate for ministry and to be a prophetic voice for personal, communal and institutional wholeness.

IU Health's chaplains are important members of the health care team who provide spiritual care to patients and their families, as well as to hospital staff. We offer care at the moment it is needed, with sensitivity to the many faith traditions of those we serve.

Our efforts to treat the whole person mean that the care we provide takes many forms, including the following:

  • Spiritual care
  • Connection to Faith Communities
  • Grief support
  • Listening
  • Prayer
  • Counseling
  • Presence
  • Worship
  • Sacraments
  • Spiritual guidance
  • Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE CPE)
  • Guided imagery and visualization
  • Meditation and relaxation techniques

Mission

IU Health's chaplains are important members of the health care team who provide spiritual care to patients and their families, as well as to hospital staff. We offer care at the moment it is needed, with sensitivity to the many faith traditions of those we serve.

Our efforts to treat the whole person mean that the care we provide takes many forms, including the following:

  • Spiritual care
  • Connection to Faith Communities
  • Grief support
  • Listening
  • Prayer
  • Counseling
  • Presence
  • Worship
  • Sacraments
  • Spiritual guidance
  • Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE CPE)
  • Guided imagery and visualization
  • Meditation and relaxation techniques

The Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services Department believes in the following values:

  • Spiritual care is an essential dimension of health care.
  • Through presence, word, sacrament and symbol, chaplains respectfully seek to meet people in their situations. They assess, nurture and support individual and communal spirituality, strengths and meaning.
  • Through education and research in the health care setting, chaplains seek to understand and communicate the importance of spirituality and spiritual care. They seek to participate in the formation of persons as spiritual caregivers so that deeper health and wholeness might be experienced individually and communally. They promote interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation, as well as holistic health.

Values

The Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Services Department believes in the following values:

  • Spiritual care is an essential dimension of health care.
  • Through presence, word, sacrament and symbol, chaplains respectfully seek to meet people in their situations. They assess, nurture and support individual and communal spirituality, strengths and meaning.
  • Through education and research in the health care setting, chaplains seek to understand and communicate the importance of spirituality and spiritual care. They seek to participate in the formation of persons as spiritual caregivers so that deeper health and wholeness might be experienced individually and communally. They promote interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation, as well as holistic health.

Contacting a Chaplain

Congregational Care Network

The IU Health Congregational Care Network (CCN) is a community-based, multi-faith program that helps extend care beyond hospital walls. By connecting patients and families with compassionate support, companionship, and helpful resources, CCN brings comfort and connection during important transitions at home.

Grounded in whole-person care, the program helps address loneliness, isolation, and other social needs that can affect healing and well-being. Through partnerships with chaplains, congregations, and community organizations, CCN helps build a bridge between healthcare and community support.

CCN offers compassionate, community-based support to people who may need extra connection after a hospital stay or appointment. By partnering with congregations and community organizations, the program helps extend care into the places where healing continues most—at home and in the community.

CCN began in 2020 as a pilot in Marion and Monroe counties and has grown into a broader network across Indiana. Over time, the program has partnered with congregations and community organizations to reduce isolation, strengthen support, and improve patient experience.

Today, CCN partners with 70 congregations across Indiana, demonstrating the value of connection-based care in promoting healing, hope, and belonging.

CCN is strengthened by grant funders, congregations, and community partners who share a commitment to helping people feel supported, connected, and cared for. These partnerships make it possible to extend compassionate support into homes, neighborhoods, and communities across Indiana.

We are grateful for the organizations and faith communities that help CCN build trust, train volunteers, connect people with resources, and create meaningful pathways of care. Together, we are helping reduce loneliness and isolation while strengthening community connections that support healing and well-being.

  • Grant partners who help expand access to compassionate, community-based support
  • Congregational partners who provide trained volunteer connectors and caring relationships
  • Community partners who help connect individuals and families to helpful local resources
  • Healthcare and spiritual care partners who help identify people who may benefit from CCN support

IU Health CCN chaplains work with trained volunteers, called connectors, who offer supportive conversation, encouragement, and guidance to patients during their transition home. Connectors are available to people of all faiths, as well as those who do not identify with a particular faith tradition.

  • Companionship and one-on-one conversation
  • A listening presence focused on individual needs and concerns
  • Encouragement and connection during recovery
  • Guidance toward helpful community and care resources

What to Expect

The program is offered at no cost, and participation is always optional. Conversations typically take place by phone or virtual platforms, making it easy to connect in a way that feels comfortable and accessible.

If you or someone you know could benefit from connection and support, request support via our CNN Information form. One of our CCN Team members will reach out to you.

Organizations and congregations interested in getting involved are also invited to partner with us to help extend care and connection throughout the community by accessing our CNN Information form. One of our CCN Team members will reach out to you.

Get to know the people who help bring compassionate, community-based support to patients and families across Indiana.

Congregational Care Network bios (PDF)

Explore helpful CCN forms, flyers, and connection opportunities designed for patients, families, congregations, and community partners.

Request CCN Support

If you or someone you know could benefit from companionship and connection, use our CNN Information form and a CCN team member will reach out to you.

CCN Flyers

Download and share CCN materials to learn more about the program and the role of spiritual care in whole-person healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about CCN, including who the program serves, how companionship works, and how to request support or partner with us.

Companionship Training

Are you a CCN Connector that needs Companionship Training? Visit IU Health CCN Companionship Training Registration to view upcoming training opportunities and sign up.

Consent Form

If you are an IU Health patient that would like to get started with CCN support, please complete the consent form and share with your provider or one of the CCN Team members below.

Contact the CCN Team

For questions, reach out to CCN@iuhealth.org.

Learn more about becoming a Board Certified Chaplain and explore opportunities available through these professional organizations.

Online Resources

Learn more about becoming a Board Certified Chaplain and explore opportunities available through these professional organizations.

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