Chaplaincy Science

What is chaplaincy science?

Chaplaincy science is a discipline of study in chaplaincy profession and service delivery. Chaplaincy science entails methodical study and knowledge acquired scientifically. Chaplaincy science entails analytical study of something or subject matter.

Chaplaincy science is a study that helps to grow chaplaincy scientists who will be able to make scientific analysis and also get involved in scientific researches from time to time.

Chaplaincy scientists thus grown and developed are expected to cash into academia in colleges, universities and other higher institutions. They contribute their quotas to chaplaincy practice and development as they operate by institutions of learning.

Chaplaincy scientists can also be said to be engaged in professional chaplaincy practices and service delivery if they are involved in the followings:-

a.     The training and education of emerging chaplains and trainee chaplains.

b.     Conduction and participation in researches.

c.      Providing supervised practice to students and supervisees.

NB: They may not be involved in actual chaplaincy practices that involved physical contacts with care recipients and clients as well as staff of the organizations the work for or serve.

The actual professional chaplaincy practice should be should be reserved for certified professional chaplaincy practioners and service providers while chaplaincy scientists are left to make needed contributions to professional chaplaincy development as well as the well-being of practicing chaplains in their various work settings.

Chaplaincy Analysts:

Chaplaincy analysts are expert professional chaplains who are skillful professionals who give themselves to gather data, collate such data and submitting such for scientific analysis for the purpose of research and research activities.

Chaplaincy analysts are usually vetrans who are no longer in active professional chaplaincy practice and service delivery but have years of experiences behind them which they can use to bring about needed improvements in chaplaincy practice and service delivery.

They are however contributing positively towards the development of chaplaincy profession, its practice and services through research work.

Research Chaplains:

These are professionals with special expertise and have singled themselves out to conduct and participate in researches and research activities that will bring about sustainable and credible development to chaplaincy profession, practice and service delivery.

These research chaplains are no longer active in actual chaplaincy practice but they rather devote their efforts, energies and time to chaplaincy research works and activities as their own contributions towards chaplaincy developments.

These research chaplains usually belong to research committees where they together with other team members can work together to carry out their research activities. They are no less chaplains, even though they have no direct contact with clients/care recipients and general public.

They provide research findings to actual professional chaplains in their practices to assist them in the discharge of their professional chaplaincy duties as practicing chaplains.

NB: As professional chaplains, there are a lot of opportunities for us specialize in specific areas and aspects of chaplaincy yet complimenting ourselves in helping to develop our profession without any form of unjustly rivalry.

Chaplaincy Specialties: There is need to produce chaplains in various chaplaincy fields such as:

1.     Chaplaincy scientists.

2.     Chaplaincy analysts.

3.     Chaplaincy researchers.

4.     Hospice chaplains.

5.     Hospital chaplains.

6.     Prison and correctional chaplains.

7.     Law enforcement chaplains.

8.     Corporate chaplains.

9.     Mental health chaplains.

10.                        Community chaplains.

11.                        Agricultural chaplains.

12.                        Environmental/Eco chaplains.

13.                        Industrial and business chaplains.

14.                        Pediatric chaplains.

15.                        Sport chaplains etc.

 

Chap. David Mike-Jacobs JP, AP, CPC, CPST, BCC.

Professor of Anthropology, Certified Chaplaincy Educator & Trainer.