top of page

WHAT IS A CHAPLAIN?

helping people through some of life’s most difficult experiences. Many of these experiences are personal crises for people involving some of life’s most distressing circumstances. We will all encounter some of these experiences throughout our own lifetimes. That’s why Chaplaincy is such an important resource.

Support Groups

A Chaplain is a

trained professional

Today, you will find trained Chaplains in over 26 sectors, everything from Airport Chaplains, University Chaplains to Emergency Services, Disasters, HealthCare, The Bush, The Arts and Workplaces.

Where Do Chaplains Work?

Wooden Structure

Why A Chaplain?

Meaning, purpose and connectedness are at the heart of life and care for everyone of us. ‘Spirituality’ is the shorthand way of talking about these major themes for wellbeing. It is about what gives us a purpose to our lives. It is about our sources of meaning and hope, which in turn is intimately related to our connectedness to ourselves, to others and to the world.

Meaning, Purpose and Connectedness are Everybody’s Business

Chaplains Focus On Crisis Intervention

Often during a crisis our sense of wellbeing is immediately disrupted, and it can be very traumatic. Numbing in fact. Chaplains are first responders. They do not solve these issues but are there for those encountering difficulties, to listen, to support and to help empower people with next steps. 

Chaplaincy is not counselling. Often a Chaplain will refer on to these services as necessary.

Is Chaplaincy about religion?

Definitely not. Chaplaincy’s origin was about pastoral care and you can read the wonderful story of its history here. Today, there are even Humanist Chaplains such as Harvard University’s Chaplain, Greg Epstein, and you will find some faith traditions also train Chaplains.  It is now a highly skilled qualification and profession.

​

It is never a Chaplains role to preach religion. However, it is important to respect diversity and inclusion. For some spirituality does mean religion and faith, for others it has nothing to do with it. 

​

Chaplaincy is all about you and you alone, helping the individual through whatever difficult circumstance with empathy, care and support.

Chaplaincy Training Is Extensive & Includes:

  • Introduction and Philosophy of Chaplaincy

  • Ministry of Presence 

  • Ethics & Legal Considerations  

  • Grief and Loss    

  • Anatomy of a Crisis and Disaster 

  • Diversity and Inclusion

  • Individual Worldview

  • Mental Health

  • Safety including Public Safety  

  • Relationships and Family Life 

  • Domestic Violence and Family Abuse   

  • Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting

  • Alcohol & Substance Abuse

  • Ceremonies and Events  

  • Chaplain Preparedness  

  • Employee Assistance Programs

  • Assisting Individuals in Crisis (CISM)  

  • Group Crisis Intervention (CISM)

  • Peer Support (CISM)  

  • Case Studies

bottom of page