What is a Chaplain? The office of Chaplain is a diversified position of 'helps.' The licensed or ordained Chaplain is a spiritual leader that specializes in providing spiritual care and practical helps to a diverse population in the workplace and community and is also trained in short-term intervention ministry. In short, Chaplains are there to listen and walk beside those who are in need, provid
ing counsel and comfort in trust and confidentiality. Chaplains are not affiliated with a particular religion, denomination or church. Chaplaincy is done outside of a church or religious organization. Government accepts Chaplaincy as a relevant and essential part of its representation of the people, and at times, is the only religious intervention allowed by law to function under the covering of the separation of church and state (First Amendment 'Establishment Clause.') Accredited Chaplains are recognized by Federal, State and Local government and community agencies. The leading Chaplaincy accreditation organization, the International Fellowship of Chaplains (I.F.O.C.) has received a Congressional Appropriations Bill. Chaplains are most widely recognized as being found in the military. However, the Chaplaincy has evolved rapidly and Chaplains can be found in corporate settings, schools, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hospitals, nursing homes, sports organizations and other community entities. Generally, Chaplains are highly-trained and experienced volunteers, not paid for their service. Chaplains are trained and certified and can specialize in advanced, diverse areas such as Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Suicidology, Bereavement, Disaster Response, Trauma, PTSD and many other areas. The Chaplain ministers care to the 'whole' of a person and is a trusted confidant in times of deepest need.
