A ministry of healing
CommonSpirit cares for people in Tennessee and Georgia. We offer a full range of services, from preventive and primary care to advanced treatments for cancer, heart and stroke—all delivered with a focus on quality and patient safety. With 4,700 employees and 650 physicians, we draw on a legacy of excellence and innovation to support your health needs.
Our history
Supporting our communities
Clinical pastoral education (CPE) is practical, theological education and training designed to improve the quality of spiritual care provided by spiritual-leaders of all faiths and experience levels. Its foundation rests on the adult learning method that require students to own and direct their learning process. The action-reflection-action method integrates the elements of pastoral practice, case studies of the students' visits, theological reflection, group work with peers and supervisors, and evaluations. Each unit of CPE consists of 400 total hours with a minimum of 100 hours of group work spread over 10-26 weeks.
Ideal Candidates for CPE
- Clergy and ministry professionals interested in enhancing their call and competencies for their current ministry.
- Those who want to define and enhance their call to professional chaplaincy in marketplace, industrial, and other institutions.
- Clergy members seeking certification through professional chaplaincy organizations.
- Seminary students seeking opportunities to form their pastoral identity and pastoral experiences and skills that are complementary to their academic studies.
CommonSpirit integrates its healing ministry with medical excellence to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care. This unique environment fosters a spirit of welcome and provides CPE students with invaluable opportunities to learn, work, and grow as essential members of our healthcare team.
We are accredited by ACPE.
For more information about CommonSpirit TN & GA Clinical Pastoral Education, call (423) 495-5737. To apply, email the completed applicaton to Bill Hawkins, certified educator, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
At CommonSpirit our mission is to care for everyone in our community. We dedicate significant resources to programs and services that improve access to health care for underserved populations, including those who are uninsured. Our goal is to enhance the overall health and well-being of our community.
One of our most vital initiatives is providing mobile breast and lung cancer screenings for individuals who may find it challenging to visit a traditional health care facility. Each year, our mobile health coaches travel thousands of miles across 28 counties in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, bringing these lifesaving cancer screenings directly to the people who need them most.
With numerous convenient dates and locations, you can join us at an upcoming screening near you. Alternatively, you can arrange for the mobile health coach to visit your church, workplace or community organization, making it even easier to prioritize your health.
We are excited to support local nonprofit organizations that make a difference in our community. We're now accepting funding requests for fiscal year 2026. Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025 or January 31, 2026.
We're committed to partnering with organizations that share our passion for improving lives. We'll review applications throughout the year and contact applicants with updates.
Learn more about our funding guidelines.
The CommonSpirit - Memorial Foundation fuels our mission to deliver exceptional healthcare to our community. As the fundraising arm of our hospitals, the Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and organizations to expand programs, provide vital education, and invest in cutting-edge medical technology. Founded in 2001, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to stewarding philanthropic gifts that directly impact the health and well-being of our region.
As we have grown to meet the needs of our community, so has our volunteer team. The team now has over 300 dedicated men and women, including auxilliary members, students and independent volunteers. Each volunteer offers the invaluable gift of their time and compassion.
As a volunteer, you'll be part of CommonSpirit's mission to carry on the Church's healing ministry and make a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Services at (423)-495-8610.
Join the conversation
Stay connected by following us on social media. Discover health tips, inspiring patient stories, updates on new services and community events—all in your feed. Our social channels are a space to celebrate wellness, share important health care news and connect with you directly. Whether you're looking for expert advice, wellness challenges or a behind-the-scenes look at our care team in action, we’ve got something for everyone. Join our online community and be part of the journey to better health.
