“Faith matters here, not as a point of exclusivity, but as a bridge connecting people of all walks of life.”
-Chaplain Chris Beckman
Faith Foundations is one of Ebenezer’s Cornerstones. We have always believed that every person—without exception—is created in the image of God. This guiding principle, established at our founding, continues to shape our culture and practices today. While many of our communities embrace the Christian tradition, we open our doors to residents and staff from every background, welcoming a diversity of beliefs, cultures, and spiritual practices. At the heart of Ebenezer’s mission is a commitment to love, acceptance, and compassion—a belief that no matter a person’s story or creed, each individual deserves dignity, community, and the chance to flourish.
Our faith-based approach is not simply a line in a mission statement; it is woven throughout the work we do every day. Chaplains serve Ebenezer’s many communities, coming alongside residents and their families to offer spiritual care, comforting words, and a listening ear. These spiritual care professionals are a reminder that caring for a person’s well-being includes not only physical and emotional support but also the spiritual component that nurtures their faith.
Chaplain Chris Beckman, Corporate Director of Spiritual Care, who has served in various roles at Ebenezer, notes that he feels deeply valued in his day-to-day work. The community recognizes that spiritual care is an essential component of overall well-being; residents, staff, and families alike understand the unique role chaplains play. As Chris explained in a recent conversation, “Everyone here knows that spiritual care is valued. Our mission is essential.”
He went on to describe how, on any given day, Ebenezer team members from every department strive to do what is in the best interest of the residents. Whether it involves advocating for a policy exception to better serve a particular need or simply taking the time to hold someone’s hand in a moment of loneliness, the team honors Ebenezer’s guiding belief in each person’s worth and dignity. Chris shared how proud he is to work alongside colleagues who show “boldness about caring for the residents,” embodying the organization’s faith-driven mission in practical and heartfelt ways.
Chaplain Sherry Mortenson, who oversees spiritual care at multiple Ebenezer sites, offers a similar perspective on the rewards and responsibilities of her role. “I serve six different Ebenezer communities,” she said. “It’s wonderful because I get to share life with so many residents—whether it’s leading worship, offering Bible studies, or simply having meaningful one-on-one conversations.”
Sherry describes her work as a “ministry of presence,” emphasizing that being available to listen and affirm each resident’s inherent value can be just as impactful as the prayers or services she leads. “One of the most precious moments,” she recounted, “is reminding our memory care residents just how deeply they are loved. I will ask them, ‘Who does God love?’ and to watch them smile and say, ‘Me,’ fills my heart.” Moments like this, she says, make her work profoundly fulfilling.
While Sherry’s background is in the Christian tradition, she is quick to acknowledge that Ebenezer’s communities are far from monolithic in their beliefs. “We welcome people from all faith traditions, and it’s a privilege to serve each one in a way that respects and affirms who they are,” she explains. Sometimes, that involves working with outside faith leaders to host culturally significant ceremonies or partnering with families to honor sacred traditions. “It’s all about showing residents that their spiritual identity is recognized, valued, and safe at Ebenezer,” she says.
Despite Ebenezer’s strong Christian heritage, you will find celebrations and expressions of many faiths across its communities. Whether it’s lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, creating space for Muslim residents to observe Ramadan, or simply providing a quiet meditation area for those who practice no formal religion at all, Ebenezer’s staff and chaplains make every effort to honor the broad tapestry of traditions. This inclusivity is rooted in the conviction that all people share a sacred origin, a truth that transcends doctrinal differences.
This approach fosters a unique sense of harmony. Residents find themselves in conversation with neighbors whose perspectives might be quite different but always respected. Staff unite around a common goal: supporting each individual’s journey in a nurturing, faith-friendly environment. In this way, Ebenezer’s halls become places of spiritual vibrancy, where kindness and fellowship reign.
The work, of course, is not without its challenges. Many residents face health issues, loneliness, or life transitions. Ebenezer’s chaplains, caregivers, and staff remain resilient, fueled by their shared devotion to faith-based compassion. They recognize that loving service often requires creativity—whether it is navigating complex regulations to make a resident’s day brighter or simply pausing to share a moment of prayer or reflection during a hectic shift.
For Chris, Sherry, and countless others across Ebenezer’s communities, this is more than a job; it is a calling. “We not only say the words, we actually believe them,” Chris emphasized. “If it weren’t true, I would go somewhere else.” His conviction resonates with the broader Ebenezer community: faith matters here, not as a point of exclusivity, but as a bridge connecting people of all walks of life.
Ebenezer Senior Living’s founding principle—that all people are created in the image of God—remains the heart of its mission, shining through in the gentle care of its staff, the dedication of its chaplains, and the genuine welcome extended to every resident, family member, and visitor. In a world often marked by division, Ebenezer offers an inspiring example of how faith and community can bring people together—just as it has for generations and will continue to do for years to come.