Grøtberg has experience as a seafarer chaplain, youth minister and parish priest at Grim Church. He has been at UiA for six years now and finds his work meaningful, gladly welcoming both students and staff.
The chaplain welcomes everyone
Grøtberg believes that many students hesitate to reach out, fearing they won’t be accepted as they are, but there’s no need to worry about that.
Where to find the chaplain:
Kristiansand: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the SiA Health building
Grimstad: Wednesdays in room N01036 at the i4H building
Drop-ins are welcome
For appointments:
Email erland.grotberg@uia.no, text +4791855292, or book online via the SiA Health website
“I believe that accepting people as they are is the most important part of my job, and I strive to do just that,” he says.
Grøtberg provides services that are open to all beliefs and knows a lot about various worldviews.
“I’m here for anyone who needs someone to talk to. I can listen to how people are feeling, what they’re struggling with, or what they’re ashamed of – and everything stays between us. If you’re happy and just want to share it with someone, I’m here for you too,” he says.
You’re not ill because your life is difficult
The university chaplain works closely with SiA Health. He also has a broad network to draw on should someone need to share their thoughts with others.
“I meet many students who are going through tough times. They’re not ill; life just gets hard sometimes. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them. My job is to help people manage life, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, stress or difficult situations they might find themselves in,” he says.
Grøtberg finds meeting the students enriching and feels he learns a lot from talking with them.
Helps you grow
Grøtberg believes everyone can outgrow their challenges, though it’s not always possible to do so alone. That’s when having someone like a university chaplain can be invaluable.
“I help people grow. Many students feel they need to be their ‘best self’. I find it limiting to think a person can be their best self since it suggests some kind of completion. Your life stands still,” he says.
Conversations aren’t confined to his office; a walk together can be an excellent setting for a chat, and he can also visit people in their homes.
Grøtberg enjoys guiding the students who come to him through their journeys. He believes it's important to accept life as it is at present, rather than how it ought to be, to effectively tackle problems and challenges.
“Throughout my life as a priest, I have often dealt with existential questions, which students frequently bring up: questions about life, death, uncertainty about life choices, fears, anxiety and what’s meaningless in life,” he says.
Supports staff in difficult situations
Occasionally, a student comes to him because a staff member has reached out.
“Sometimes staff find it difficult to suddenly face certain life situations on their own, so they shouldn't hesitate to reach out,” he says.
He has also led gatherings at the university following a death, keeping them open to all beliefs.
“Fortunately, that doesn’t happen too often,” says Erland Grøtberg.