r/chaplaincy

Hello!

Any vets here? Specifically those that are VA rated, done or is in VR&E for an MDiv, and is in the National Guard? I’ve recently pursued a calling from God to become a chaplain, specifically in the National Guard (currently an enlisted E5, already holding a BA, an MS, and been serving in ministry for four years doing worship and other misc. services and also drawing VA disability while in MDay status and forfeiting drill pay).

I have an appointment coming up for the initial intake/evaluation and was wondering if anyone has any tips to approach that and to be justified/approved.

New hospice chaplain here. Is it typical that when you take PTO (including holidays) or get sick, your caseload gets messed up and you have to clean it all up the week after? It feels like playing Tetris, and now I'm terrified of getting sick, my car breaking down, or life in general happening.

This is just my observation but I feel like prison ministry doesn't get talked about much. I think it's because we have a habit of stigmatizing criminals no matter how much they've reformed themselves. Don't get me wrong, some crimes are serious and the people who commit them should be incarcerated if found guilty. But I feel like, when it comes to chaplaincy, we hear a lot about military, University, and hospital chaplaincy but we also need to remember that convicts also have spiritual needs. That said, for those of you in prison chaplaincy, what has your experience been like with ministering to convicts? Did you ever minister to inmates on death row and witness executions? Has that shaped your views on the death penalty and other criminal justice issues?

I have an MDiv and CPE units, do I need more training for hospice regulations to be a bereavement coordinator? like specific grief counseling training?

In my latest blog post I discuss a new term I am using to describe the approach to ministry I have, called interpath. Check it out here.

Hello all, I’m wondering if someone can help me identify the best way to pursue a career in (most likely hospice) Chaplaincy.
Considering the different pathways I’m a bit unsure about how to proceed. As I understand it, the available forms of training - some of which are required, some of which are not - are:

CPE training
An mDiv or MTS degree (I understand it is not necessary but can be helpful both vocationally and economically)
Training/certification of ministry through your personal congregation
Certification through places like APC

From my research at this point, I identify most with humanist chaplaincy. I have religious and spiritual practice in my personal life, but don’t see the need to engage doctrine for the service of people in crisis/pain/confusion, a major motivation for this decision. At the same time, I recognize the support religion brings its followers and would happily educate myself in various religions in as much as was necessary to meet people at that place. Currently, I am a professional musician and have been told that there are also ways to bring music into chaplaincy care if I so chose. So I am also wondering if I would need to pursue this in a specific way if i were to incorporate those sorts of methodologies.

I am based in NYC. Any clarity would be greatly appreciated! If in reading this you think of certain programs or people or resources to reach out to I’d be most grateful.
Galen

Have any of you gone through the Army's Chaplain Candidate Program? I am interested in it, but I have questions. Firstly, I understand you go into the reserves and drill once a month. Is it possible to do my classes during drill? I am a husband, father, full-time employee, and a pastor; so I am afraid I just won't have the extra time to pursue a master's degree.

Hello, I am feeling a pull to army Chaplaincy. However, ine question I have, is where does your family attend church while you are performing chaplain duties?