Exploring Chaplaincy: Roles, Training, and How to Make a Difference

Chaplains work in diverse fields ranging from prisons , nursing homes, sports organisations, and schools to name just a few. There are even workplace chaplains! So what do they have in common and how can you train to be a Chaplain?

A chaplain’s role is to provide care which includes a person's physical, emotional and spiritual needs. For example, a police chaplain may lend a listening ear to support to an officer after a particularly challenging shift, while a school chaplain might offer practical support for a struggling school family. In nursing homes, a chaplain might prepare chapel services to uplift the spiritual lives of those who can no longer travel to church. Similarly, a sports chaplain journeys alongside sports people under the pressure of competition and living in the public eye. These examples offer just a glimpse into the diverse roles chaplains play, but perhaps a deeper question remains: Who is a chaplain?".

Another way of describing a chaplain’s vocation is to explain that they are a provider of spiritual care. Sometimes this is described as pastoral care. The term pastoral care has its background in Psalm 23. In this Psalm God is described as the ultimate Shepherd and His people are described as His sheep. What does God the ultimate Shepherd do for his sheep? He leads, refreshes, guides, walks alongside and comforts.

Chaplains, from a biblical worldview, identify with this God and seek to provide care that gives comfort and encouragement. Chaplains recognise every person as being made in the image of God and deserving of respect and kindness. They walk beside people through the joys and challenges of life with a listening ear and a helping hand.This does not mean that a chaplain will necessarily be able to fix or change a person's circumstances but they will stay alongside even in difficult moments. It takes skill to sit in a moment with someone offering your presence, support and compassion.

At Morling College our courses are registered with the Civil Chaplaincies Advisory Committee which is the peak body in NSW representing the interests of chaplains to the government. By studying with us you can become an accredited Chaplain. Our courses prepare you to demonstrate professional practice in the area of spiritual and pastoral care gaining the ability to recognise spiritual needs that reside in all people regardless of religious or secular beliefs. You will develop specialised skills to support individuals through crises and emotional challenges.

The Graduate Certificate of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care is the entry point to be equipped to provide chaplaincy and spiritual care in a range of Christian ministries and secular organisations. It is suitable for volunteer positions and some part and full time roles. It is the first step into training as a Chaplain or pastoral carer. Entry is based on prior learning such as a Bachelor degree or an experience based entry scheme for those over the age of 21. Applicants attend an interview as part of the process. For those with a prior degree and experience in pastoral ministry the Graduate Certificate can act as a bridging course to a role in chaplaincy.

For those interested in further education our Graduate Diploma prepares you for part and full-time work as a Chaplain. Students are able to specialise in areas such as Aged Care, with our pastoral stream being a versatile pathway to a career in a range of chaplaincy contexts, including mental health, hospital and corrections. The Graduate Diploma has a capstone Clinical Chaplaincy and Spiritual care skills unit. This unit provides students the opportunity to work alongside a placement chaplain in the ministry context of their choice to gain hands-on experience and mentorship.

Chaplains take Christ’s love to the world. They are warm hearted carers who represent the face of faith in everyday life. What an exciting ministry to be a part of! Learn more about your course options here.