Baptist Roots: The Distinctive Touch
The Ministry of Pastoral Care in the Baptist Health System provides a competent and compassionate presence in assisting people to negotiate the many twists and turns of their unique health journeys. Baptist Health System, known for its high quality care, has brought hope to the people and region of San Antonio. A commitment to serving the hospital and health needs of San Antonio and South and Central Texas has been the hallmark of the health system for more than 100 years. The Clinical Pastoral Education Program of the Division of Mission and Ministry is dedicated to develop in its students the compassion and competence they need to offer quality pastoral care to patients, families and hospital staff. The CPE program uses a wealth of tools and opportunities to help individuals access and develop their spiritual resources.
Baptist Health System began in 1902 as a dream of San Antonio physicians and businessmen, and opened in 1903, along with its school of nursing. As a result of financial stresses, the hospital was transferred to the ownership of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1948, then to the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 1952.
As Baptist Memorial Hospital, a new chapter of faith-based, not-for-profit hospital care began. A stronger emphasis on spiritual health joined the healing and education emphases that had been in place from the beginning. Under the stewardship of local Baptist leadership, the single hospital grew to include five hospitals, a formal Institute of Health Education, and other health and wellness services and activities. The resulting three-fold ministry of healing, teaching and Christian service still holds today.
In 2003, Baptist Health System was purchased by Vanguard Health System. This partnership has brought tremendous strength through capital improvements and experienced leadership to Baptist Health System with the goal of becoming the premier health care provider and best workplace in San Antonio. Vanguard is committed to strengthening the faith-based mission of BHS and continued denominational affiliation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Baptist Health System is a leading provider of health care in San Antonio and South Texas. Baptist Health System includes five acute-care hospitals (Baptist Medical Center, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, North Central Baptist Hospital, Northeast Baptist Hospital and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital), Baptist Regional Children’s Center, Baptist Cancer Center, Baptist Women’s Health Center, HealthLink-North wellness and fitness center, community health and wellness programs, medical office buildings, air medical transport, Healthmaster occupational health clinic, a teaching center (School of Health Professions), and other health-related services and affiliations.
Pastoral Care Service
Pastoral care staff, CPE residents, and interns offer patients, residents, and the interdisciplinary team the opportunities to discover spiritual meaning, belonging, and hope through individual pastoral visits, crisis response, support groups and worship experiences. To patients and family members we offer routine bedside visitation and presence, prayer, sacramental support and connection with their local clergy. To the medical team we offer consultation, friendship, encouragement, coordination of spiritual resources for the patient and family, communication link between the medical team, patient, family and community and prayer support. A hospital chaplain is on-call 24 hours a day. A nurse is able to assist you if you need to reach a chaplain at anytime.
Mission and Ministry Department Mission Statement
The Mission and Ministry Department is guided by the BHS Mission of helping people achieve health for life through compassionate service inspired by faith.
Our departmental mission is
"To serve patients and families, employees, students
and physicians with excellence in...
Pastoral Ministry,
Education for Ministry, and
Leadership for our BHS values,
faith-based mission, biomedical
ethics and community ministry."
For more information on the services we provide go to Division of Mission and Ministry.