We believe it is important to have a clear understanding of the legal, philosophical, ethical, and principle basis for our approach to ministry.  This is the second article in a series of articles explaining our position.

"A Chaplain's Philosophy of Ministry is a ministry of purpose, presence and peace to provide sacred care."

MINISTRY OF PURPOSE

Chaplain ministry ought to be a “force-multiplier” for an agency. Ministry of purpose goes beyond the traditional understanding of ministry of purpose. To be a force-multiplier, a chaplain’s actions must be deliberate in their support of the primary mission of their agency and provide proactive and responsive support to every member. Decisions ought to therefore be made on what ministry is appropriate while considering the unintended consequences and long-term effects of that ministry even while addressing the immediate ministry needs. Ministry, in any form, ought not to interfere with the mission of, or become a liability to, the agency.

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

Ministry of Presence entails being fully present to the person who is directly in front of you. It is giving your undivided attention (eyes, ears, non-verbal, etc.) to them. To serve someone is to be present with them, to pay attention to them, to not make judgments or comments about them or their situation but rather to listen attentively and openly. Ministry of Presence encompasses being open, honest, direct and transparent with others in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Ministry of Presence might sometimes imply a corollary ministry – the Ministry of Silence.

MINISTRY OF PEACE

The Hebrew concept of Shalom (peace) means that every aspect of an individual’s life (physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral,and spiritual) is in perfect harmony with God’s desire for their life. A Chaplain’s Ministry of Peace is to empathetically walk with someone in their crisis to holistically assist them in the restoration of “peace” in their life in a sacrificially loving way. When someone is in crisis their “peace” has been shattered and they are thrown into a state of chaos. A Chaplain’s role is to assist them in restoring control of their life and finding a new normal.

S.A.C.R.E.D. CORE VALUES

Spiritual - The search for understanding and connection to beliefs and values that give meaning to a person’s life.

Available - Always present, visible and accessible, ready for use 24/7, 365 days per year.

Credible - Character of integrity, believable, worthy of being trusted, keeps confidences.

Relational - A state of connectedness with others involving a focus upon the well-being of others. Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the desire to comfort the hurting.

Empathetic - The ability to experience another person’s range of emotions and feelings with the capacity to understand their point of view without prejudgment or ridicule. having another person's pain in your heart.

Diverse (Multicultural Competency) - A willing recognition, respect, honoring, and serving towards those of other cultures, ethnicities, gender, race, creed, religion, etc., without prejudice or judgment.

PROVIDING C.A.R.E.

Connect - The ability to interactively build rapport and relationships in a consistently compassionate and credible manner. Rapport is established quickly through the appropriate use of questions which employ an empathetic relational demeanor and active listening skills. Humility and a servant’s heart is emphasized while meeting the practical needs of another without imposing religious dogma or doctrine while respecting the diversity of individual beliefs.

Assess - The ability to properly identify the various needs of another individual for the purpose of reducing the escalation of harm allowing the individual to gain control back of their situation and thereby restoring peace to their life. A chaplain assesses out of a genuine concern for the well-being of others and demonstrates this through their S.A.C.R.E.D. core values. A chaplain will properly employ effective crisis management techniques and active listening skills.

Respond - The ability to holistically provide for the practical needs of an individual in crisis (physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral & spiritual) utilizing appropriate crisis intervention techniques, having the appropriate allies, resources and referrals pre-established to provide, simple, brief, proximal and immediate care which provides hope for restoration and recovery.

Engage-Endure - The ability to proactively and appropriately engage the correct resources in order to restore the individual to normal functioning through the provision of meeting basic needs. These may be provided through liaison, advocacy, cathartic ventilation, social support, information, stress management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, cognitive reframing, or spiritual care.