Our Chaplaincies
"Chaplainc
y is a way for the church to be present in witness and service in peoples everyday lives in institutions like hospitals, schools, universities, prisons and in the workplace. Missional chaplaincy is one of the key strands in our local engagement with communities."
A chaplain is someone who ministers on behalf of the church, outside normal church boundaries.
Chaplains work in many walks of life, often where people need the most support. They are on the frontline in the mission of the diocese, helping people uncover the Kingdom of God in the critical moments of daily life.
There are over 70 chaplains in our diocese who are grouped into five main areas:
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Business and workplace
- Hospitals, hospices, and healthcare
- Prisons and young offenders institutions
- Armed forces and emergency services
Theres also chaplaincy work going on locally in a wide range of other areas, such as waterways, theatre and football. Chaplaincy can happen wherever its needed!
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Support for Chaplains
Support for chaplains should come primarily from the host institution.
It's also vital for our chaplains to be connected to their Christian faith community. Lichfield Diocese offers a Community of Chaplains which is open to anyone under the (direct or indirect) authority of the diocesan bishop.
The Community of Chaplains holds in-person gatherings to offer rest, renewal and re-connection. It also hosts reguarly online Chaplain Chapters. Contact the community's facilitator, Simon Foster to join the community or find out more.
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Your Vocation to Chaplaincy
Are you called to chaplaincy ministry?
Chaplaincy is a complex field and it may take time to discern your place. Chaplaincy ministry may be just one part of a wider ministry, or it may be your whole focus. Some chaplaincy is salaried or waged, while much chaplaincy is voluntary. In some fields, such as prison ministry, ordination is virtually essential for Christian chaplaincy. In others, such as healthcare, industry-standard qualifcations are shaping the role. Occasionally, chaplaincy grows from 'within' an existing role, such as the teacher whose chaplaincy vocation is recognised by their school and who is given extra responsibility and scope.
Because of the breadth of chaplaincy ministries, there are many paths into chaplaincy. You can seek guidance from a colleague in chaplaincy, or from our Mission Team Lead, Simon Foster.