Redefining Chaplaincy

Introduction: To many people, especially in developing nations of the world, chaplaincy means different things to different people. There is also no definite definition of who chaplains are and what their roles are in the society are leading to an unprecedented confusion amongst the people in this part of the world.

In line with the new discoveries of what chaplaincy has become globally and what people of various diversities in the world and in this present generation and dispensation; permit me to redefine chaplaincy as follows:-

1.     Chaplaincy is service to God or Divine through serving humanity without discrimination.

2.     Chaplaincy is a care provision to humanity; the sick, the healthy, the living, the dying and the dead. Chaplaincy provides ministry to both the living and the dead.

3.     Chaplaincy is an industry; though not a manufacturing concern, but a service industry that is designed to see to the wholistic well-being of humans and to ensure people’s wellness in all situations.

4.     Chaplaincy is a service to the traumatized, stigmatized and people whose life have been truncated or destabilized such as the vulnerable, the aged and those trafficked.

5.     Chaplaincy is a service for serving military personnel and their relations as well as other law enforcement personnel.

6.     Chaplaincy is a service for people seeking reformation or good governance or social justice in the society: providing care services to protesting and agitating people in their struggles, the police and other law enforcement operatives that may be drafted to enforce laws in existence by government.

7.     Chaplaincy is a service industry to politician, political parties and political circles of any nation.

8.     Chaplaincy is powerful service for sports men and women and the entire sporting community across the world.

9.     Chaplaincy is a service for people and communities who suddenly find themselves in disastrous and crisis situations; whether man-made or natural disasters.

10.                        Chaplaincy provides ministry of presence to people who require such services.

11.                        Chaplaincy provides helping services as one of the helping professions in the world.

12.                        Chaplaincy provides alternative dispute/conflict resolution services to people or community in dispute or conflict.

13.                        Chaplaincy provides services to those who are experiencing religious, spiritual or existential struggles in life.

14.                        Chaplaincy is a service that assist people find meaning, relevance and fulfillment in life.

15.                        Chaplaincy is a service that help people remember who they are and who they are not in their circumstance, pains and sufferings.

With these little definitions I am certain chaplaincy will now mean something new and different to you all.

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

Professor of Anthropology, Certified Chaplaincy Educator & Trainer.

Blog: thechaplain1.blogspot.com

25^th Nov. AD2022