Chaplaincy Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) Assignment
Olivia M. Morgan
CHPL 500: Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry
March 2023
ii
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Healthcare Chaplaincy Strength..................................................................................................2
Healthcare Chaplaincy Weaknesses............................................................................................3
Healthcare Chaplaincy Opportunities.........................................................................................5
Hospital Chaplaincy Threats........................................................................................................7
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................9
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................12
Appendices....................................................................................................................................13
1
Introduction
After completing this course, Introduction to Chaplain Ministry, I have learned much
about the various areas of chaplaincy work to decide which one to pursue. God has called me to
work in the healthcare system as a chaplain. It has been made clear that healthcare chaplains
need to devote a great deal of time to visiting hospitals and other healthcare facilities to minister
to the sick, injured, and dying, as well as their loved ones. The help could include spiritual
guidance, prayer, and consolation for the terminally ill and their loved ones. In addition, the
healthcare institution may ask me to perform any final rites, salvation calls, or other spiritual
services that patients or their families wish.1
The purpose of this dissertation is to describe the significance of chaplaincy from the
perspective of the healthcare industry; however, the ministry of chaplaincy is genuinely
extraordinary and sacred before God, regardless of the area in which it is practiced.2 The ministry
and the calling are constant despite variations like the workplace. Whittington and Davidson
found that chaplains are paid to protect and promote religious freedoms in the workplace by
facilitating the free and open expression of faith among employees in various settings, including
the armed forces, hospitals, sports teams, and prisons.3 While most American chaplains adhere to
the Christian faith, the freedom of religion afforded to all citizens means they can serve in any
workplace field. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the chaplaincy.4
1 Michael Whittington and Charlie Davidson, Matters of Conscience (Liberty University Press, 2013), 79-
80.
2 George Fitchett, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes. Evidence-Based Healthcare Chaplaincy a
Research Reader. Edited by George Fitchett, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes (London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishers, 2018), 34.
3 Winnifred Fallers Sullivan. A Ministry of Presence Chaplaincy, Spiritual Care, and the Law (Chicago:
University of Chicago, 2014), 65.
4 Winnifred Fallers Sullivan. A Ministry of Presence Chaplaincy, Spiritual Care, and the Law (Chicago:
University of Chicago, 2014), 65.
2
Healthcare Chaplaincy Strength
Whenever patients or visitors have spiritual concerns, they can talk to the on-site chaplain
to get communication and assistance. Winifred Sullivan refers to the workplace ministry of
chaplains as "the ministry of presence," a term adopted by chaplains from various religious
traditions and institutional settings.5 Amazingly, the healthcare chaplain's presence can solace
folks in a potentially life-threatening scenario. Sometimes the chaplain's presence alone is
enough to enable patients to feel the presence of God without the need for words.6 A further asset
will be the chaplain's ability to serve patients, families, employees, and employers while
maintaining a healthy balance of life's spiritual, emotional, and mental aspects. A chaplain's
spiritual advice and comfort are essential in a place with so much activity and varying moods and
vibes.7 People may be going through terrifying situations while a young mother gives birth a few
doors down. A chaplain's presence and availability can assist in bringing calm to a situation
when some people are experiencing hardship while others are experiencing delight. Workers will
benefit from the spiritual harmony and solace it provides after a long and taxing shift, especially
if they feel exhausted and overworked.8 Having a chaplain on staff can be especially helpful
during emergencies like pandemics and crises when employees and management require
emotional and mental support. One of the healthcare chaplaincy ministry's greatest assets is
demonstrating God's love to the sick, weak, disturbed, lost, and bereaved. To God be the glory
and to save souls by this means. Jeremiah 33:1 says, "The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a
second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard:" (Jeremiah 33:1 ESV).
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8
Ibid.
3
Healthcare Chaplaincy Weaknesses
Swift argues that if the chaplaincy is in crisis, it is logical to assume that spiritual care is
also in crisis because of the strong relationship between the two.9 The thought that chaplains
exhibit specific traits of spirituality and religion during their work lends credence to this thesis.
As far as the healthcare chaplain is concerned, he must take care of his physical well-being to
continue ministering to patients. According to my interviewee, Chaplain Mofed, the ability to
"shut it off" is crucial in the role of a healthcare chaplain. Much stuff is going through your head
at the end of the day, and relaxing after a hard day might be challenging.10 A chaplain's spiritual
care is essential, yet it may be demanding.11 Chaplains often become worn down emotionally,
physically, and spiritually due to taking on the responsibilities of those in need.12
An appreciation for chaplains' constraints is necessary when discussing gaps in the
healthcare chaplaincy field. Most chaplains know that the First Amendment guarantees "every
American citizen the right to profess their religious beliefs.”13 Some Christian chaplains may find
this restriction on their First Amendment rights problematic since, as Whittington and Davidson
noted, "for the American Chaplain, whose ultimate identity is grounded in Jesus Christ, King
Jesus is their primary authority.”14 The chaplain's ability to minister to patients and their families
9 Christopher Swift, Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-First Century: The Crisis of Spiritual Care on the
NHS (Farnham: Taylor & Francis Group, 2016), 3.
10 Steve Nolan, George Fitchett, Paul Nash, and Andrew Todd. Case Studies in Spiritual Care. (Jessica
Kingsley Publishers, 2018), 23.
11 Ibid.
12 Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of Chaplain (Valley Forge: PA, Judson Press,
2006), 43.
13 Michael Whittington and Charlie Davidson, Matters of Conscience (Liberty University Press, 2013), 79-
80.
14 Michael Whittington and Charlie Davidson, Matters of Conscience (Liberty University Press, 2013), 79-
80.
4
based on Christian principles depends on the beliefs of those patients and their families.15
However, no religion or belief system can compare to the love and mercy of God. Every
workplace chaplain should know they must remain true to their religious and moral convictions.
In Galatians 1:9, God's word says," "As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is
preaching a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:9 ESV)
Similarly problematic is the potential negative friction a Christian chaplain in the United
States may experience when caring for patients of other religions, such as Muslims and
Buddhists. The fact that the chaplain is of a different faith may cause the patient to reject their
spiritual care. This could hurt the patient and their family, especially during a sad time like
death.16 Not only does it take away the spiritual service that a chaplain provides, but it also takes
away the spiritual help God has put in place in the hospital. Doris Bergen touched on this topic
when she discussed the value of chaplains in the armed forces. The chaplain's ability to provide
spiritual guidance and solace "guaranteed God's aid for the army," she said.17 Although
"chaplain" originally meant "God's spiritual aid and support," the term is now used to describe
various ministries, not just those dealing with spiritual matters.18
Healthcare Chaplaincy Opportunities
There are more opportunities to minister in this pluralistic and diverse setting
holistically.19 When I asked Chaplain Mofed about the ministry potential in a hospital setting, he
15 Ibid.
16 Ibid.
17
Brian L. Bolman. For God and Country: Considering the Call to Military Chaplaincy. 2nd ed. (Chaplain
Training Academy.org, 2011), 42.
18 Brian L. Bolman. For God and Country: Considering the Call to Military Chaplaincy. 2nd ed. (Chaplain
Training Academy.org, 2011), 42.
19 Ibid.
5
said, "With hospital chaplaincy, you get the opportunity to assist patients.20 "You do not go in
and preach or try to convert them; you just go in and listen to create a relationship."21 He
continued by saying that if the person asked what they needed to do to accept Jesus as their
Savior, it was the opening they had been waiting for.22 You will have to be there for them when
they go through tough times, but you should also urge them to locate a church when they emerge
so they may keep developing spiritually.
Paget and McCormack write in chapter twelve, "Health Empowerment for the Chaplain,"
that the healthcare field is advantageous and fulfilling for chaplains.23 Depending on the unique
context in which they serve, chaplains may be called upon to conduct a wide range of religious
duties, spiritual caregiving, advocacy, and healing activities. The prospects for a chaplain in the
medical field are vast. Opportunities for development, education, and sowing the seeds of
spiritual guidance and nutrition will always be available.24 Since chaplains feel called by God to
minister, they are uniquely qualified to do so. Chaplaincy has a specific mission scope in the
healthcare sector. According to Bohlman, chaplains have "a divine calling and purpose" that calls
for them to "be tangible reminders of the Holy" and to uphold the standards of their faith
community and their endorsers.25 Although chaplains are bound by the facility's regulations and
any applicable religious codes, they must never forget God's mandate to preach to the lost and
20 Mofed Estefanos, "Chaplain interview," Interviewed by Olivia Morgan, March 1, 2023, Brandon,
Florida.
21 Ibid.
22 Mofed Estefanos, "Chaplain interview," Interviewed by Olivia Morgan, March 1, 2023, Brandon,
Florida.
23 Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of Chaplain (Valley Forge: PA, Judson Press,
2006), 43.
24 Doris L. Bergen, The Sword of the Lord: Military Chaplains from the First to the Twenty-First Century
(Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2004), 70.
25 Ibid.
6
the needy. Any minister should have this as one of their primary aims. To earn God's approval,
he needs to spread the Gospel. Salvation means that when one's time comes, one can spend
eternity with God.26
If a chaplain can lead someone to Christ and that person does not take it, the chaplain will
have to give an account to God for that person's eternal damnation apart from Christ.27 Many
chaplains have the unique privilege of interacting with people of various cultures, beliefs, and
socioeconomic backgrounds daily in healthcare settings. In addition, hospital chaplains have a
unique chance to make a difference by collaborating with facility management to provide for
patients' emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Everyone in the medical facility can talk to
the chaplain and learn different ways to deal with stressful or tense situations. This includes
employees, employers, and patients.28
Hospital Chaplaincy Threats
Threats to hospital chaplains have persisted for decades, as Christopher Swift details in
his book Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-First century as he delves into the background of
chaplaincy in modern England and describes the development of the chaplain's role.29 Swift
analyzes the political climate, secularization, and difficulty placing a monetary value on chaplain
services in this book. Swift cites the dangers and explains how the hospital chaplain service is in
26 Ibid.
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
29 Christopher Swift, Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-First Century: The Crisis of Spiritual Care on the
NHS (Farnham: Taylor & Francis Group, 2016), 3.
7
an emergency.30 For Swift, it stands to reason that if the chaplaincy is in trouble, so must spiritual
care.31 The book's overarching topic is how little value is placed on spiritual well-being.
As Paget and McCormack point out, chaplains are paid employees of healthcare facilities, and it
is not uncommon for administrators to threaten to cut their numbers to cut costs. The presence of
clergy willing to make hospital visits makes this possible.32
There have been various judicial challenges to the chaplain ministry. Paget and
McCormack claim that the "free exercise clause" of the First Amendment is the primary legal
justification for their existence in the United States.33 They continue by saying that an instance in
which an administrator has benefited from a chaplain's spiritual care is the only thing that
protects the chaplaincy profession.34
Another real-world example of danger is when chaplains' values and beliefs clash with those of
their patients. When I interviewed Chaplain Mofed, one of the questions I asked concerned the
threats and difficulties chaplains face in healthcare settings. When I asked him this question, the
first thing that sprang to his mind was maintaining an open mind.35 He warned that fulfilling your
job as a hospital chaplain in a secular or multicultural society would only be possible with first
learning to respect variety. People's beliefs can differ vastly yet function efficiently; it is essential
to value those distinctions.36
30 Ibid., 56.
31 Ibid.
32 Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of Chaplain (Valley Forge: PA, Judson Press,
2006), 43.
33 Ibid.
34 Ibid.
35 Mofed Estefanos, "Chaplain interview," Interviewed by Olivia Morgan, March 1, 2023, Brandon,
Florida.
36 Ibid.
8
Also, a chaplain might have to interact with violent or mentally ill patients. These
patients often pose a significant danger to chaplains and anyone sharing the same space. Some
patients fear becoming angry and confused when in pain or suffering and believe security guards
or hospital restraints must restrain them.37 This behavior causes discomfort to individuals in the
vicinity and opens the door for dread to overshadow others. Chaplains are the ones who bring
peace and comfort in a caring and spiritual manner, even offering prayer to those in need to
restore tranquility to the surroundings.38 A chaplain may also risk losing their job if others in
positions of power do not share their religious convictions. The Christian chaplain's belief in and
proclamation of the Gospel could cause tension between the government and its religious
followers.39 For the institution, mainly if it is located in a predominantly Christian area, this
person's determination could result from the mere presence of opposing authorities. Those who
do not have any close relatives to visit them in the hospital would not have access to the calming
presence of a priest.
For a female chaplain, there is also the possibility of opposition from those who do not
believe women belong in religious leadership. The female chaplain could face hostility from her
male coworkers and the people she is meant to help. Dr. Keith said, "In a pluralistic
environment, chaplains have a great chance to be in places where we would never be called if we
were not chaplains.”40 Indeed, chaplaincy is a unique vocation that requires a deep recognition of
God's grace and favor in allowing you to serve in our complex and multifaceted culture.41 Any
37 Ibid.
38
Ibid.
39
Ibid.
40 Dr. Steve Keith, “Chaplain Biblical Foundations” (Online Presentation in CHPL 500 at Liberty
University, Lynchburg, VA, uploaded March 10, 2023).
41 Ibid.
9
chaplain worth their salt should serve without bias, showing God's mercy and grace to anybody
who asks for it, regardless of their beliefs or practices.42 Chaplains in the medical field must treat
their patients with the same Christ-centered compassion.
Conclusion
The ministry of the healthcare chaplain is one of the chaplain's greatest strengths.
Chaplains can help people with their emotional and spiritual needs by taking a "holistic"
approach to ministry, even if they have never considered attending church.43 While pleasant and
rewarding, the work of a healthcare chaplain can be physically and emotionally draining. The
chaplain's energy will be depleted on all levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Along with numerous other medical services, healthcare chaplaincy opportunities include
carrying out religious duties, providing spiritual care, advocating for others, and facilitating
spiritual recovery.44 The chance to carry out the Great Commission may be the most exciting
prospect for a Christian chaplain working in a hospital.45
Since healthcare chaplains work for the healthcare organization, their numbers may be reduced
as management searches for ways to cut spending. The "Free Exercise Clause" of the First
Amendment has been cited as the primary legal justification for the hospital chaplain ministry's
continued existence in the face of multiple legal challenges.46
42 Ibid.
43 George Fitchett, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes. Evidence-Based Healthcare Chaplaincy a
Research Reader. Edited by George Fitchett, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes (London: Jessica Kingsley
Publishers, 2018), 34.
44 M. Jeanne Wirpsa. and Karen Pugliese. Chaplains as Partners in Medical Decision-Making Case Studies
in Healthcare Chaplaincy. Edited by M. Jeanne Wirpsa and Karen Pugliese. (London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers,
2020), 54.
45 David S. Bachrach, The Medieval Military Chaplain, and his Duties, In the Sword of the Lord, ed. By
Doris L. Bergen (Notre Dame Press, 2004), 69.
46 Olivia Morgan. "A Critical Review of 'The Chaplain's Role, How Clergy can Work with Law
Enforcement.'" Review of The Chaplain's Role, How Clergy can Work with Law Enforcement, by Terry Morgan.
10
According to author Terry Morgan, a young man or young lady is called out by name by
God to stand out from their classmates. They are more obligated to serve with integrity and
accountability."47 Chaplains answer God's call to service. I have observed that chaplains rely
heavily on God's mercy and strength. It is crucial and serves a divine purpose for chaplains to
impact their ministry ground in a holy and righteous way.48 Thus, it should not be taken lightly
by anyone who has been called to serve as a chaplain in the military, healthcare, jails, or sports.
This brings me to a few comments on my Chaplain's Interview assignment, in which I
interviewed Chaplain Mofed. He stated, "While these persons have been condemned for their
illegal activity, they are still human, they are someone's loved ones, and they are the ones for
whom Jesus died just as much as we did."49 This remark was divinely inspired since it spoke
directly to my heart and will serve as a guiding principle for the rest of my chaplaincy career.
(Seattle: CreateSpace, 2012).
47 Ibid.
48 Ibid.
49 Mofed Estefanos, "Chaplain interview," Interviewed by Olivia Morgan, March 1, 2023, Brandon,
Florida.
11
Bibliography
Bachrach, David S., The Medieval Military Chaplain, and his Duties, In the Sword of the Lord,
ed. By Doris L. Bergen. Notre Dame Press, 2004.
Bergen, Doris L. The Sword of the Lord: Military Chaplains from the First to the Twenty-First
Century. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2004.
Bolman, Brian L. For God and Country: Considering the Call to Military Chaplaincy. 2nd ed.
Chaplain Training Academy.org, 2011.
Fitchett, George, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes. Evidence-Based Healthcare Chaplaincy
a Research Reader. Edited by George Fitchett, Kelsey B. White, and Kathryn Lyndes.
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018.
Keith, Steve. “Chaplain Biblical Foundations” (online presentation in CHPL 500 at Liberty
University, Lynchburg, VA, uploaded March 10, 2023.
Nolan, Steve, George Fitchett, Paul Nash, and Andrew Todd. Case Studies in Spiritual Care.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018.
Paget, Naomi K., and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of Chaplain. Valley Forge: PA, Judson
Press, 2006.
Sullivan, Winnifred Fallers. A Ministry of Presence Chaplaincy, Spiritual Care, and the Law
(Chicago: University of Chicago, 2014), 65.
Swift, Christopher. Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-First Century: The Crisis of Spiritual
Care on the NHS. Farnham: Taylor & Francis Group, 2016).
Whittington, Michael and Charlie Davidson, Matters of Conscience. Liberty University Press,
2013.
Wirpsa, M. Jeanne, and Karen Pugliese. Chaplains as Partners in Medical Decision-Making
Case Studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy. Edited by M. Jeanne Wirpsa and Karen Pugliese.
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2020.
12
Appendices
Estefanos, Mofed. "Chaplain interview," Interviewed by Olivia Morgan, March 1, 2023,
Brandon, Florida.
Morgan, Olivia. "A Critical Review of 'The Chaplain's Role, How Clergy can Work with Law
Enforcement.'" Review of The Chaplain's Role, How Clergy can Work with Law
Enforcement, by Terry Morgan. Seattle: CreateSpace, 2012.
