Understanding The Call Of A Chaplain
A Chaplain is an ordained minister committed to the professional practice of pastoral care and/or counseling in healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, long term care units, rehabilitation centers, hospice, the military, hospitals and other specialized settings.
Pastoral Care & Counseling is a ministry to persons confined to these institutional settings. A pastor of a church practices pastoral care and counseling when he/she visits the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, jails and/or prisons.
Pastoral Care & Counseling knowledge and practice is gained through specialized education and training within these settings.
Chaplaincy is a component of the Department of Pastoral Care. Pastoral Counseling is the other component of a department of Pastoral Care in any denomination, healthcare or penal institution.
A Chaplain is a valuable resource within in these settings and has a unique role as religious leader, spiritual leader, and counselor. Chaplains reach out to personnel, patients and families to provide religious, emotional and moral support. He or she may also offer religious services, Bibles studies, pastoral counseling, crisis intervention and support.
For further information about Pastoral Care Training:
Chaplain Mark H. Stevens, M.Min
New Jersey Institute of Theological Studies
Pastoral Care Department
Suite 160
440A Whitehorse Pike
Atco, NJ 08004
