According to the Cambridge Dictionary a chaplain is a member of clergy who is
responsible for the religious needs of an organization. Chaplains’ work or volunteer in secular
settings such as the military units, fire and police departments, and healthcare and hospice
setting. Chaplains also are stationary in employment offices, and correctional, police and prison
institutions. Lastly, Chaplains in recent years have been present on Sports teams. Chaplains are
ministers who provide services in the previously mentioned settings above like hospitals, jails,
the military, and universities. Chaplain, can be sponsored by churches such as the Southern
Baptist Church or Catholic Church and employed by a hospital, but can tend to the needs of
patients and staff regardless of religious affiliation.
Chaplain services have a long history dating back to early wars and battles and continue to be
relevant today. We have been taught in earlier lessons that chaplains have the right to perform
their services or practice their beliefs but cannot differentiate or infringe on the beliefs of others.
Although many chaplains are considered to be Christian, chaplains must be able to minister to
all. This includes different social economic status, political affiliations, cultures, backgrounds
and races. Some of the people chaplains are called to minister do not identify with a religion at
all. This research paper will provide an overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threat that the healthcare chaplain may face. This research paper will include information
discovered in a book review based on the importance of a Chaplin, a chaplain interview and
discussion question and answers that explain why I feel hospitably chaplaincy is my calling and
choice. Hospital Chaplains play a crucial role in patient-centered care by addressing spiritual
distress, providing comfort, and supporting patients, families, and healthcare staff during
difficult times (Swift, 2014)1. Swift explores how chaplains navigate diverse religious and
spiritual beliefs, fostering inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in their practice to meet the diverse
needs of patients’ in modern healthcare settings (Swift, 2014). This paper will allow the reader
to consider strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that hospital will face operating as a
healthcare chaplain.
Strengths Hospital chaplains are called to provide spiritual and emotional support to patients.
Hospital chaplains are trained to provide compassionate care that addresses the spiritual and
emotional needs of patients and their families in their care. Chaplains in hospital settings offer a
listening ear, empathy, and spiritual guidance, which can be crucial in times of illness, crisis, or
grief (VandeCreek & Lucas, 2007). One truth remains is sickness and death are a part of our
life journey. People’s way of life can change in the blink of an eye. Many times after learning of
these life changes, including learning of terminal diseases, which can affect many will need
support in understanding the changes they are undergoing. Hospitals understanding patients
need support with life changes, will bring in compassionate chaplains, who attempt to aid in
patients journey to wholeness. The chaplains who collaborate with healthcare officials provide a
holistic approach and spiritual approach their patients. Chaplains in a healthcare environment
understand not all patients will be cured some will transition. This being the chaplain’s truth
allows the chaplain to do three things while working with the patients. One task of the chaplain
is to outline the holistic difference between cures and healing. The World Health Care
Organization (Who 2014), defines its care as the active total care of a person body, mind and
spirit this includes also offering support to families. The chaplains will serve as advocates for
spiritual well-being within the healthcare setting and facilitate communication between patients,
families, and medical staff (Selman et al., 2020). In my chaplain interview with Reverend Terry
Gainer, who works closely with funeral homes and grieving families he explains one of the
greatest joys during those times is being able to witness strengths and resolve families have
during those difficult times. Pastor Terry sees chaplains being on hand in the healthcare,
juvenile and funeral home arena as a huge strength. Pastor Terry added not all families serves
are Christian. But he as a chaplain skilled in engaging with individuals from diverse religious is
and cultural backgrounds. He respect and understands various faith traditions, allowing him to
provide inclusive spiritual care that meets the specific needs and beliefs of each person
(Puchalski & Romer, 2000). Proverbs 18:19 says that an offended brother is harder to win over
than a strong city.
Weaknesses- the United States of America continues to change with various cultures and belief.
There is a saying once believed to be scripture that says each generation becomes wicked and the
level of weakness increases. I do not believe this generation is wicked than others; however I do
believe many in this generation in record numbers does not reverence or acknowledge God like
previous generations. If a chaplain is going to be successful working in any institution, hospital,
workplace or jail he or she much be familiar with the bylaws, regulations, and rules of that
corporation. Learning religious freedom in previous lessons, chaplain must adhere to religious
freedoms and rights as they are protected by the US Constitution. Any chaplain serving in any
capacity of service must be unbiased with the principles of pluralism. In the video, chaplains
under fire discuss a chaplain who had trouble and was heavily convicted for not ending his
prayers in Jesus' name. The video mentions that the chaplain would repent for the omission of
the name of Jesus. From the onset of the video I can see where the chaplain is coming from and
may even share some his conviction. However, we must understand we cannot minister to
persons we have offended. Pastor Terry's sited the limited number of chaplains and volunteers
entering the field and working with troubled youth is a weakness in his chaplaincy. Pastor Terry
added there is a hesitation of some chaplains and ministers to work with youth in juvenile justice
settings care due to their behavior is another area for improvement. Pastor Terry in addition
pointed out that the lack of space and time for grief with chaplains’ inbetween incurrence is
another setback. He warned this job can be mentally challenging and require a lot of energy.
Pastor Terry added that he has to find time for him to regroup and refresh before taking on
additional cases and children. The pastor notes that social media does deter outreach to children
in care. Each chaplain must be wise and flawless in some instances. The fruit of the righteous is a
tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30, KJV). Whittington and Davison
explain that chaplains are compensated for respecting and supporting religious freedoms, if any,
by providing a space for others to express their spirituality in a pluralistic setting. Due to the
diversity of religions, Pastor Terry must be intentional in ministering to diverse spiritual needs in
his care. In Pastor Terry's view, the limited number of chaplains and volunteers entering the field
and working with troubled youth is a weakness in his chaplaincy. The hesitation of some
chaplains and ministers to work with youth in juvenile justice care due to their behavior is
another area for improvement. Pastor Terry pointed out that the lack of space and time for grief
between incurrence is another setback. He warned this job can be mentally challenging and
require a lot of energy. The pastor notes that social media can deter outreach to children in care.
Kids dislike appearing tamed or civil, leading to outbursts.
Opportunities: Hospital chaplains play a vital role along with the healthcare team helping to
address the emotional and spiritual needs of patients in their care. Patients are often scared and
confused when they come into care in a hospital setting. The need for the chaplain is pivotal and
he or she can provide spiritual guidance direction and counseling which can be shaped with the
patients beliefs and needs in mind. Services can include presence for the patients, prayer or their
religious practices if the chaplain is familiar. Another area in which the chaplain can be present
is providing emotional support for the changes the patient is experiencing. Being a patient in the
hospital can be emotional for both the patient and their families. Any chaplain should be able to
provide emotional support including being a listening ear to the patients.
What are your greatest challenges serving as a chaplain within this discipline?
Juveniles housed in secure correctional facilities are typically serious, violent, or chronic
offenders who present with multiple psychological, social, behavioral, and intellectual needs
(Committee on Adolescence, 2011; Fazel, Doll, and Långström, 2008; Quinn et al., 2005).
1 Stone, Howard. Chaplaincy in Juvenile Detention Centers. New York: Oxford University
Press, 2010.
2 Juvenile Residential Programs Fazel, S., Doll, H., and Långström, N. 2008. Mental disorders
among adolescents in juvenile detention and correctional facilities: A systematic
review and meta-regression analysis of 25 surveys. Journal of the American Academy of Child
& Adolescent Psychiatry 47(9):1010–1019
Perry, J. E. (2018). Ethical considerations in hospital chaplaincy. Health and Social Care
Chaplaincy, 6(1), 5-18.
Puchalski, C., & Ferrell, B. (2010). Making healthcare whole: Integrating spirituality into
patient care. .Templeton Press
Puchalski, C. M., & Romer, A. L. (2000). Taking a spiritual history allows clinicians to
understand patients more fully. (1), 129-137.Journal of Palliative Medicine, 3
Selman, L. E., Speck, P., Gysels, M., Agupio, G., Dinat, N., Downing, J., ... & Higginson, I.
J. (2020). ‘Peace’ and ‘life worthwhile’ as measures of spiritual well-being in African palliative
care: A mixed-methods study. (1), 1-12.Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 18
