ROLE OF A CHAPLAIN

Chaplaincy is an institutional ministry outside of the church setting that provides spiritual guidance, education, support, comfort, and counseling to those in need. Chaplains are attached to a secular institution but endorsed by a religious or church group. Acting as a neutral spiritual resource,  chaplains can lead nondenominational religious services, and provide spiritual support for those who are unable to attend organized church services. They serve as liaisons for local clergy providing pastoral care until ministers arrive. Chaplains are able to coordinate services, serve as a confidante, conduct seminars and workshops, and speak in churches when the regular minister is away. They may provide regular counseling, function as an advocate, and meet the needs of the moment through listening and prayer. This is important because chaplains often meet people at the most vulnerable, chaotic, stressful and difficult times in their lives. They may be the only stable force present in the moment. Just as God is a very present help in the time of trouble, He uses chaplains to offer grace, love, support  and understanding in people's time of need.

 

Studies show that when people with critical illness prayer and read the Bible they have a better chance of recovery. And when people offer prayer and positive energy towards the sick and suffering they experience a greater degree of healing. (See article "Studies Show Spiritual Care Linked to Better Health Outcomes"), According to the chaplaincy and research article by David A. Lichter, D.Min. publishing the results of the research will increase awareness of what and how chaplains contribute to the health care team. He found that if spiritual struggle, or distress caused by something in one's belief, practice or experience, is not identified and addressed, it will have an adverse effect on one's health. He maintains that clinical health care researchers are providing evidence that spiritual issues need to be addressed or health outcomes falter. In the article "Strengthening Chaplaincy Research to Improve Spiritual Care", Julie Minda reports that chaplains should be involved with research-informed and evidence-based practices and approaches to provide the best possible care. When qualified chaplains visit the sick, there are higher levels of patient-family satisfaction in general across institutions for all patients discharged from the institution who answered satisfaction surveys.

 

According to the article "The Benefits of Spiritual Care Provided" by Professional Chaplains, studies show that religious faith and practice impact emotional and physical well being. Professional chaplains play an integral role in supporting and strengthening these religious and spiritual resources. The article concludes that people turn to spiritual resources during illness and other painful experiences, finding them helpful. Professional chaplains are trained to encourage helpful religious coping processes. Patients and families are frequently aware of their spiritual needs during hospitalization, want professional spiritual attention to those needs and respond positively when attention is given-indicating that it influences their recommendation of the hospital to others. We know that chaplains are important members of the body of Christ serving as spiritual leaders for the community. Now science and research confirms it.