r/chaplaincy

I'm just trying to get everybody experience.

We are a single income family and we do OK (I am currently working in HR) but I'm finishing my masters in theology right now and I start my first unit of CPE in a couple weeks. I have my eye on attending residency next fall God willing. I've been working to save up money to supplement the financial hit of residency for that year. My concern now is what comes next.

At what point do you start applying for full-time roles towards the end of residency? I've been keeping an eye on indeed to gauge the job market (I live in St. Louis and we have three big health networks here as well as several hospice companies), and the time between full-time jobs being posted seems to be measured in weeks. Part of me is concerned about leaving a stable full-time job for a role that I know is time limited, but to do the one off CPE units seems like quite a strain because in order to get my hours in for CPE for the next 24 weeks I'm basically gonna be working seven days a week between CPE and my job. Has anybody gotten a job offer from the location where you did your residency while you were still a resident?

I may lay Catholic so I don't have any other ministry or anything to rely on except for trying to get another HR job after residency if there's no full-time roles available. I'm just curious if anybody else has been in a similar situation. Thanks!

Hello all! I had few questions about ChristianLeaders Chaplincy Certification. Mainly if it was legit and worth the effort and money (only $50 at end for the Certification). Is there other paths that people suggest?

I'm not sure if this subreddit also caters for permanent deacons, but I'm in the long and early stages of discerning the permanent diaconate (I am married). I'm not asking for specific, tailored vocational advice, but I don't have any permanent deacons around my area so I'd like to ask:

What's your experience like, generally speaking? How do you managing the competing interests of family, work, and vocation? Do you have any regrets? What helped you make your decision (in other words, how did you know God was calling you?). Feel free to answer any question that I've not asked.

Thank you.

Can anyone recommend any truly spirit filled churches in Sarasota, FL? And would love one that has services other than Sundays? And also ones that allow people to come in and pray or meditate during the week?

Thanks!

I currently posses an MA in biblical studies (32 credits). And have completed an additional nearly 40 credits in seminary. Do I have to posses a mdiv or does this ma+ the additional credits qualify as mdiv equivalency because it will be 72 credits.

I’m curious what chaplains here think of this? Any humanist chaplains want to weigh in?

Despite the most common "religious belief" among service members being either agnostic/atheist or None (together making 50% of SMs), Congress is considering a bill that strengthens the faith-based work and independence of chaplains outside of the command structure and team focus.

My goal with chaplaincy has always been interfaith prison chaplaincy. I have a MA in Buddhist studies (not a MDiv), and I'm doing 4 CPE units with a full-time hospital residency. I'm not ordained in any religion.

Is this enough to pursue prison chaplaincy, or do I still need a MDiv to open the door? My research says my current resume isn't enough, but I'm hoping it's not that cut and dry. I'd appreciate any feedback on what my next steps should include--willing to do whatever it takes to help the prison population as a career.

Hey everyone I’m in the final stages of getting my paperwork in to the appropriate people. And should be moving on to medical and ascensions after I do. Does anyone know/have an idea how quickly I will be able to commission once I have all my paperwork submitted? I know the new fiscal year starts in October and I’m trying to get and idea how quick things may go from here.

Also I’ve heard conflicting things about how long ods is for chaplain candidates. Some say 5 weeks ods and then 3 weeks chaplain training. Others say 9 weeks ods.

What has your experience been with these. Also any advice? Thanks!!

Hello,

I'm looking for some books that introduce or encapsulate the experience of different types of chaplaincy. I have done one unit of CPE in a hospital so I'm particularly looking for books about Crisis and First Responder, Prison, Military and Hospice.

Thank you.

I'm currently a stay-at-home parent and looking at starting a CPE residency at a hospital in about a year. I have a Master of Theological Studies degree, a B.A. in pastoral studies, and about 2 years of church work under my belt (plus volunteer/internship church work).

Any advice for things to do in my spare time before the residency? I'm thinking, of course, about reading and prayer, but any other suggestions?

I have interviewed for two separate CPE cohorts, both through the same program, but with different instructors for each cohort. Both times, I walked away shocked at how- the only word I can use is belligerent- the interviewers were.

In the first interview I was asked if my first marriage ended due to infidelity.

In the second interview, I was described as “traumatized” repeatedly, even though I respectfully told them that I consider myself a resilient survivor and don’t identify with that label.

Neither interviewer asked me any questions about my spirituality or faith practice.

Both interviews were grueling, and both seemed to follow a format of ask a 2-part question > cut me off after my first answer > never let me answer the second part > then tell me I didn’t answer the question.

I was also asked several “how would you…” questions, but then got feedback that I was “explaining” when I needed to be “telling.”

I am a clinical social worker who’s done trauma work for 20 years. I have a pretty thick skin and came away from both of these experiences feeling unheard, misunderstood, and generally disrespected.

Is this sort of hostile interview the norm for ACPE education programs or is this specific site just poorly run? Or maybe, this is a me problem, and I’m just not understanding the purpose/intention of these interview methods. I’m open to that as well.

What were your interview experiences like? Were they intentionally abrasive? Or am I just not cut out for this kind of ministry?

Hi everyone, I’m 27 F and I feel called into hospital chaplaincy. I have my diploma in social services, and a bachelors in Christian studies and support services. I have felt drawn to hospital chaplaincy for years, and I tried working in a church setting for a while, but it didn’t work out.

I have managed to avoid debt so far, but to attend school again I would need to take out student loans. This is a big stress for me, so choosing a school and degree that will give me the best chance at finding a well paying career in my field is extremely important.

I just need some advice. What program should I take that gives me the best chance at getting my foot in the door, and a well paying position? Is there higher or lower paying positions in hospital chaplaincy? I am considering a Master’s of Psychospiritual studies at Emmanuel or Knox college, or a Master’s of Divinity at my other options.

What College is the best to attend, what do you recommend?

The institutions I am considering are as follows:

Emmanuel College, University of Toronto

Knox College, University of Toronto

Tyndale University

Regent College in Vancouver BC

McMaster Divinity College/University

Ambrose University

I am open to other suggestions too!! Any input would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻

If you did your CPE through ICPT, what was your experience like? Were they “old school” in their approach (abrasive/confrontational) or kinder? Did you have a positive/negative experience? Were your CPE units recognized by your residency/worksite?

Any info you might have to share is greatly appreciated.

I'm about to start my first CPE class soon. I am already familiar with the placement itself and have no questions at all about that.

I am wondering what the CPE class itself is like. I'm not sure what the correct words are--the classroom hours portion of the CPE experience. What happens during those classes? Do we have homework assignments that need to be done in addition to class and placement hours?

Hello everyone,

Seminary student and assistant pastor here looking. Into chaplaincy to help get myself into the community more and serve those who serve our country. I have looked into chaplaincy in the navy reserves but also recently discovered Coast Guard ACS chaplaincy as well. I have a few questions mainly about ACS chaplaincy.

Can/do ACS chaplains interact and minister to active duty or coast guard reserves regularly and what might this look like?

How might navy reserves chaplaincy compare to ACS chaplaincy. Outside of deployment and ACS being voluntary are their responsibilities comparable?

Also if you have any experience with either that might be helpful in helping me navigate through these options please let me know!

HMP BERWYN UK

Hello everyone I’m looking for some help
I’m Wondering what peoples experiences have been with the temporary release for relatives funerals (a grandparent but parental role)
What makes people approved/rejected
What documents are needed

I’ve contacted the chaplain

struggling with documents to prove this as it’s school holidays and need approval for doctors/dentist etc

Any help is really appreciated!