Instructor(s)

Course Description

The nature and history of chaplaincy ministry, including the chaplaincy’s identity, purpose, and ethical and legal parameters. The course will examine the biblical and theological foundations of a ministry of presence, which often comprises the core of chaplaincy ministry. The course focuses on the contexts in which chaplains minister, the types of tasks they perform, and the challenging issues that they will face ministering in various settings outside the scope of the traditional church's ministry, such as the military, the workplace, hospitals and retirement homes, prisons, and rescue missions or homeless shelters. Students will go on field visits. Chaplains from hospitals, armed forces and other organizations will be invited to interact with students in seminars.

Course Objects

At the conclusion of this course each student will be able to… 

1. Logically communicate a Christ centered theology of Chaplaincy based on Biblical and theological principles. 
2. Clearly articulate the nature of Chaplaincy ministry with respect to its origin (History), identity, and purpose. 
3. Explain the Constitutional and Legal Mandates Governing Chaplaincy and the Code of Ethics for Chaplains 
4. Explain Chaplain Misconduct, Personal Boundaries, and Safety Issues. 
5. Demonstrate Pastoral Care in a Chaplaincy Setting

Course Content

Topics

1. The Theological and Historical Foundations for Chaplaincy.
2. The Calling, Nature, Character and Definition of Chaplaincy
3. Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.
4. Key Components of Leadership in Chaplaincy.
5. Chaplaincy and the Law
6. Ethics and Chaplaincy
7. Professional Chaplaincy and Personal Ministry Boundaries
8. Military Chaplaincy (MCh) 9. Corporate Chaplaincy (CCh).
9. Healthcare Chaplaincy (HCh)
10. Public Safety Chaplaincy (PSCh)
11. Institutional Chaplaincy (ICh).

Mode of Delivery

1. Instruction/Lecture/Presentations
2. Class discussions
3. Field Visits: to hospitals, schools, military bases, police institutions, refugee camps, etc
4. Instructors may invite additional special guest speakers per segment. 

Reading Materials

1. Purves, Andrew. (2004). Reconstructing Pastoral Theology, A Christological Foundation. St Louisville, KY.: Westminster John Knox Press.
2. Crick, Robert (2011). Outside the Gates: The Need for Theology, History, and Practice of Chaplaincy Ministries. Oviedo, FL.: Higherlife Publishing. 
3. Woodard, Wit (2011). Ministry of Presence: Biblical Insight on Christian Chaplaincy. North Fort Myers, FL.: Faithful Life Publishers.
4. Paget, Naomi K. and McCormack, Janet R. (2006). The Work of the Chaplain. King of Prussia, PA.: Judson Press. 
5. Nichols, Michael P. (2009). The Lost Art of Listening, Second Edition: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships. New York: NY.: The Guilford Press.
6. Toole, Mary M. (2006). Handbook for Chaplains: Comfort My People. Mahwah, NJ.: Paulist Press.