What makes a Chaplain a credible spiritual careperson? I look at three key areas!
Education. When you don't know the need you may encounter, you need to be prepared for most anything! That means a lifetime of education. The types of education Chaplains acquire usually includes some type of Associate, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate Degree from an accredited College, University, Theological School or Seminary. There are also specialized Certificates or Credentials designed for Chaplaincy, along with opportunities for Continuing Education through seminars and online training. Chaplains are lifelong learners.
Experience. Sometimes experience comes from what you have done; other times it comes from what's been done to you! Chaplaincy has many "lanes" these days, such as Law Enforcement, Military, Hospital, Hospice, Disaster Response, and Business or Marketplace Chaplaincy. Regardless of the area of emphasis and application, ask if the Chaplain is learning from daily experience? There is a big difference between ten years of experience and one year of experience repeated nine more times! If a Chaplain is not stretched out of his or her comfort zone, they are not learning from experience!
Endorsement. The phrase, "It takes one to know one!" really applies in Chaplaincy. A formal peer group will often provide an endorsement of those they know, have examined, and trust to represent their larger group. Many religious denominations endorse members of their faith-group to Chaplaincy. There are also professional groups that provide a Code of Conduct or Ethics. They will vouch for those that adhere to professional standards and remove those who do not. Chaplains promote shared values of client-focused spiritual care among their peers.
There is no "one size fits all" Chaplain assessment plan, but these three categories help us discover "what type" of Chaplain may fit best in a particular role or situation. Chaplains don't have to be "just alike" to respect the uniqueness of their colleagues.
Chaplains are a vast continuum of education, experience, and endorsements. This reality is not a detriment to the field, but provides a rich variety of willing people desiring to serve and support others in time of need. And often the Lord brings "just the right one" to your side when needed. Thankfully!
Comments