Classification and Categorization of Chaplaincy and Chaplains in Nigeria and Continent of Africa and Beyond: A Case Study.

Preamble: This is a scholastic article which its writing is informed by the haphazard kind of classification and categorization, leading to great confusion even amongst chaplains themselves not to talk of the general public and the society at large.

Purpose: The purpose of writing this article is to place at our disposal of all and sundry an academic and scholastic classification and categorization which can stand the test of time and also to enable all chaplains and professional practicing chaplains know what categories they fall into.

The Classification and Categorization: The followings are the authentic classification and categorization from a chaplaincy educator, seasoned professional chaplaincy practitioner and Doyen and pace-setter of professional chaplaincy in Nigeria, continent of Africa and beyond.

1.    Sectoral Classification and Categories

a.    Public sector chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

b.    Private sector chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

c.    Voluntary sector chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

2.    Structural Classification and Categories

a.    Military chaplaincy and corresponding military chaplains.

b.    None military chaplaincy and corresponding none military chaplains, sometimes known as ‘Civil Chaplains.’

c.    Paramilitary chaplaincy and corresponding paramilitary chaplains (Law enforcement chaplaincy and chaplains).

3.    Functional Classification and Categorization

a.    Health care chaplaincy and corresponding healthcare chaplains.

b.    Hospice chaplaincy and corresponding hospice chaplains.

c.    Palliative care chaplaincy and corresponding palliative care chaplains.

d.    Mental health care chaplaincy and corresponding mental health chaplains.

e.    Family chaplaincy and corresponding family chaplains.

f.     Education chaplaincy and corresponding education chaplains.

g.   Paediatric chaplaincy and corresponding paediatric chaplains etc.

4.    Positional Classification and Categorization

a.    Hospital chaplaincy and corresponding hospital chaplains.

b.    Prison and correctional facilities chaplaincy and corresponding prison chaplains or correctional chaplains.

c.    School chaplaincy and corresponding school chaplains.

d.    University/College chaplaincy and corresponding university/College chaplains.

5.    Incidental, Emergency and Disaster Classification and Categorization

a.    Critical incident chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

b.    Disaster chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

c.    Emergency chaplaincy and corresponding chaplains.

d.    Fire chaplaincy and corresponding fire chaplains.

6.    Classification and Categorization According to Types and Kinds

a.    Industrial chaplaincy and corresponding industrial chaplains.

b.    Cooperate chaplaincy and corresponding cooperate chaplains.

c.    Workplace chaplaincy and corresponding workplace chaplains.

d.    Agricultural chaplaincy and corresponding agricultural chaplains.

e.    Animal chaplaincy and corresponding animal chaplains.

f.     Community chaplaincy and corresponding community chaplains, etc.

Conclusion: This scholastic article I wish to submit that “Chaplain” is the general nomenclature given to all chaplaincy practitioners, but when we get down to specifics, peculiarity and  particularity their differences and diversities begin to be made manifest according to the categorizations listed above.

It is my heartfelt desire that every practicing chaplain will know where he or she belongs and what category of chaplain one is.

Contact Chaplain Prof. David Mike Jacobs CPC, CPST, CCE, FCCN, and Doyen of professional chaplaincy in the continent of Africa.

Call: 234- 803-3072-375; 705-5287-861; WhatsApp: 234- 909-1981-944; 813-5016-317

Facebook: chaplain David Mike. Blog: Thechaplain1.blogspot.com

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