Chaplaincy Goals
By chaplaincy goals, what we are concerned about is what
chaplains do, what they set out to achieve in providing needed care services to
the public. We are also concerned about how their works are valuable in the
public.
Chaplaincy: We need to give a definition of
chaplaincy before we attempt to speak or consider chaplaincy goals which is
based upon chaplaincy values or the values of practicing chaplains.
This is a new understanding in contemporary times which makes
chaplaincy to be classified into two broad categories, namely:-
a.
General
chaplaincy which has no religious and denominational strings attached to it.
b.
Religious
and denominational chaplaincy based purely upon religious and denominational
dictates.
This categorization and classification becomes pertinent as
it will surely affect chaplaincy goals or coloured chaplaincy goals.
The chaplaincy goals for none religious and denominational
chaplaincy practice will definitely be different from those of denominational
chaplaincy practice because of religious connotations and coloration.
However what is considered as the general and globally
acceptable chaplaincy, I have the delight to enumerate here below; knowing
fully well they may differ slightly from one nation to another or from one region
of the world to another.
Global Chaplaincy
Goals:
1.
Well-being
of all and sundry through standard professional chaplaincy practice and service
delivery:
a. Well-being of the public.
b. Well-being of care recipients,
families and carers.
c. Relationship well-being.
d. Socio-justice well-being.
e. Spiritual well-being.
f. Psycho-spiritual well-being.
g. Mental well-being.
2.
Wellness
of all and sundry through the care services provided by practicing chaplains.
3.
Meaning-making
through proper chaplaincy practice and service delivery by the practicing
chaplains:
a. Helping care recipients make meaning
in their suffering and situation.
b. Helping care recipients and their
families make meaning in life no matter the circumstances.
4.
Deepening
spirituality of individuals in their care.
5.
Helping
to enhance connectivity with the source of life and other people around for peace,
growth, comfort and attainment.
Chaplaincy goals can further be categorized into:
a.
Intrinsic
goals which deals with goals and values limited to chaplaincy profession and
the professional practitioners.
b.
Extrinsic
goals which has concern for goals and values of chaplaincy outside chaplaincy
such as the public, interdisciplinary professions.
Chaplaincy goals are also coloured by this description and
categorization.
Chaplains challenges in setting extrinsic goals:
Chaplaincy professionals, managers
and directors have been able to discern that chaplains have some
challenges in setting extrinsic goals and values as:-
1.
Chaplains
have not done much to make their relevance in the societies known.
2.
Chaplains
have done nothing or little to let the public know what they are out to do and
of what social importance such is.
3.
Social
workers are equally clamouring that they can provide spiritual care services,
even though they are not trained to do so because practicing chaplains do not
give adequate records of their works and results attained.
4.
Psychiatrist
also claim that in providing psychological care services; they are capable of
doing what chaplains do as if chaplaincy practice and service delivery is
limited to psychological issues and problem only. What will a psychologist
offer patients suffering spiritual imbalance and destabilization?
Recommendations: As antidote to this kind of
misrepresentation, and seeking to one’s roles by interdisciplinary
professionals; practicing chaplains must arise as the sun rises on daily basis
to educate the public on the roles of chaplains in the society, their values,
goals and social importance at all times.
Chaplains must take researches very seriously. They must also
be encouraged to be writing and publishing chaplaincy articles or books that
will detail on their roles, details, jobs and relevance in various societies
where they live and operate.
Leaving the writing and publishing of chaplaincy related
literatures, books and articles to people other professions (interdisciplinary
professionals) to help deal with the misrepresentation, distortion an
confusion.
Special Assignment for
Chaplaincy Leaders in Africa: Carry out a survey for a research work in the continent of
Africa only amongst chaplains for the followings:
1.
Definition
of chaplaincy.
2.
Who
chaplains are.
3.
Roles
of chaplains in the society.
4.
Chaplaincy
values and goals.
5.
Social
relevance and importance of chaplains.
NB: Getting to as many chaplains and chaplaincy organizations
is of uttermost importance for a good result and findings.
Are
you interested in online professional chaplaincy training to enable you offer
beneficial chaplaincy care and services, get registered at the prestigious
chaplaincy institute – Prodam-J Chaplaincy Institute for adequate and proper
professional chaplaincy education and training to make you outstanding among
your equals? Call 08033072375; 09077515468; 08035092416 or WhatsApp – +2349050323309.
Chap. David Mike-Jacobs
CPC, CPST, BCC.
Professor of
Anthropology, Certified Chaplaincy Educator & Trainer.
Blog: thechaplain1.blogspot.com
18th Oct,
AD2022
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