The Fundamentals: The Why, What, Who and How of Chaplaincy

The Fundamentals: The Why, What, Who and How of Chaplaincy The Chaplain Skill Set Series emerged from the vast amount of resources that I have gathered throughout my own quest to become the best minister and professional chaplain that I can eventually be. The goal for this project is simply to share well-respected resources and learned lessons which any chaplain of any faith background and any ministry setting can utilize quickly and effectively. I will speak from my own experiences and from time to time lean heavily upon my own Christian theology to support various chaplain theories, functions and skill sets. Please understand that it is not my aim to offend any reader from other spirituality or religious doctrines. It is the responsibility of every chaplain to develop their own pastoral identity based upon how their life experiences and their own faith informs them. The contributors of this Series will share their perspectives. The Series will touch upon the primary points which any minister should consider to become a highly skilled and competent chaplain. I am aware that this series may not be exhaustive for all the nuances of chaplaincy, but I will strive for it to be as comprehensive as possible in forming an effective foundation. The Series has a three-fold purpose. It is designed for: 1) individuals who are unfamiliar with the unique field of chaplaincy, 2) for laity or clergy who are discerning whether to go into chaplain ministry, and 3) for seasoned clergy and chaplains who simply want to revisit the tried and true skillsets which produce an excellence in chaplaincy. I will always attempt to give credit where credit is due as well as share the many resources which have been helpful in my own chaplain formation. The Series begins with this initial volume on The Fundamentals. This first volume will attempt to succinctly answer four basic questions: "Why the need for Chaplains?" "What is Chaplaincy?" "Who can be a Chaplain?" and the most practical question for you, the reader, "How is chaplaincy administered? How does it work?" The last chapter will attempt to succeed in "Bringing the Pieces Together" for you through the presentation of three clinical verbatims. I hope you enjoy The Chaplain Skill Set Series. If you sift through and dig out just a few pearls of wisdom from each volume which you can readily use in your own chaplain ministry, then I will consider my efforts to have been worthwhile. May God's peace be upon you as well as upon your specific ministry.