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Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide - Paperback | Diverse Reads

Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide

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An approachable overview of the nature, purpose, and functional roles of chaplaincy 

Chaplaincy is unlike any other kind of ministry. It involves working outside a church, without a congregation, usually in a secular organization. It requires ministering to those with starkly different religious convictions, many of whom may never enter a house of worship. It is, as Alan Baker writes, “ministry in motion.” Those who are embarking upon this unique and specialized call deserve equally unique and specialized guidance, and Foundations of Chaplaincy offers exactly that. 

Baker surveys the biblical and theological foundations of chaplaincy before enumerating four specific responsibilities and skills that define chaplaincy’s “ministry of presence”: providing, facilitating, caring, and advising. Baker’s thorough guidance on these matters is supplemented in sidebars with practical advice and anecdotes from over thirty chaplains currently serving in a variety of settings and organizations. 

Chaplains who serve in healthcare, the military, correctional institutions, police and fire departments, sports teams, college campuses, and corporations have essential roles to play in their respective organizations, but theirs is rarely an easy calling. With Foundations of Chaplaincy as an introduction and an ongoing reference, those called to this important vocation may be assured of having the tools they need to cultivate a strong, mission-driven pastoral identity rooted in their own theological tradition while simultaneously participating in a multi-faith team.

ISBN-13: 9780802877499

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Eerdmans - William B. Publishing Company

Publication Date: 02-18-2021

Pages: 256

Product Dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

Alan T. Baker is a deeply experienced chaplain who now trains, supervises, and endorses prospective and current chaplains in a variety of settings. Baker's experience includes service in college, corporate, and military chaplaincy. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Baker rose to the rank of rear admiral. He currently teaches at Fuller, Gordon-Conwell, and Wesley seminaries.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 The Foundations of Chaplaincy 7

1.1 The Call to Ministry and the Call of Chaplaincy 7

1.2 Biblical Basis for Chaplaincy 13

1.3 Characteristics, Advantages, and Challenges of Institutional Ministry 22

1.4 Five Ministry Tasks and Competencies 33

1.5 Four Chaplain Functional Capabilities 43

Discussion Questions 48

2 The Chaplain as Provider 49

2.1 Definition of Provide and Perform 49

2.2 Incarnational Ministry and the Center Set 53

2.3 Tribes and the Context of Ministry for Chaplains 60

2.4 Institutional Duality of Chaplaincy 63

2.5 Ecclesiastical Environment in the Institution 66

Discussion Questions 76

3 The Chaplain as Facilitator 78

3.1 Definition of Facilitate and Facilitation 78

3.2 Religious Accommodation 86

3.3 Constitutional Foundation for Governmental Chaplaincy 91

3.4 Cooperative Pluralism and Practice of Access 95

Discussion Questions 99

4 The Chaplain as Caregiver 101

4.1 Definition of Care and Caregiver 101

4.2 Pastoral Counseling in Chaplaincy 108

4.3 Eight Quick Counseling Questions 116

4.4 Special Counseling Observations 121

4.5 Cognitive Focused Counseling and Distorted Thinking 126

4.6 Suicide Awareness and Prevention 128

4.7 Confidentiality and Privileged Communication 132

4.8 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 135

Discussion Questions 137

5 The Chaplain as Adviser 139

5.1 Prophetic Voice of Chaplain to the Institution 139

5.2 Definition of Advisement and Adviser 144

5.3 Public Prayer: Worship Service and Civic Ceremony 153

Discussion Questions 158

6 Bringing It All Together 160

6.1 Integration 160

6.2 Self-Care 169

6.3 Final Thoughts 181

Discussion Questions 185

Acknowledgments 187

Appendix A Organizations and Settings Typically Served by Chaplains 189

Appendix B Scenarios and Case Studies 216

Appendix C Sample Clinical Pastoral Education Verbatim 222

Appendix D Checklist for New Chaplains: Moving from Parish Ministry to Chaplaincy 225

Appendix E Helping Churches and Employers Understand the Difference between Chaplains and Pastors 231

Glossary 233

Notes 239

Bibliography 249

Index 261