You may have many questions about ministry and chaplaincy. We hope this section will help answer some of the questions in your heart and mind. Also, please contact us if you need additional information.
What does it mean to be an Interfaith Minister?
An Interfaith Minister honors and respects the religions of the world and the chosen spiritual paths of individuals. Interfaith Ministers have an underlying belief and knowledge in the connection between all religions and all peoples of the earth. It is with this belief and knowledge that Interfaith Ministers seek to promote inner healing and harmony within diverse communities. As an Interfaith Minister from the ChI program you will be asked to bring your own artistic creativity into your ministry. You will be encouraged to use your talents as an expression of your spirit in working with people. You will develop your own personal ministerial style and be able to do pastoral counseling and perform ceremonies and rituals such as marriages, baptisms and funerals. As an ordained Interfaith Minister you can officiate at weddings (requirements for clergy may vary from state-to-state or country-to-country), blessings and memorials.
What is a Practicum?
Practicum and field training: All ministry students are required to do a service practicum of at least two to four hours a week for at least six months (approximately 200 hours of ministry or chaplaincy related services). Although it is not required for ordination, it is highly recommended that those seeking Interfaith ministry also take one unit of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education). This experience will help to develop skills in pastoral counseling and chaplaincy. Students may view the practicum opportunity as a chance to explore their own forms of ministry. Not all students may choose to work with people as their chosen form of ministry. Some students may find their ministry in work with animals or the environment, and may choose practicum work in an animal shelter or in the environment. ChI will help students investigate what is the best type of praticum for each individual.
What is Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)?
CPE is a residency for those seeking to enter the world of professional chaplaincy. CPE is one of the deepest experiencial and didactic programs available. Your training occurs under supervision within the medical environment of healthcare settings. The setting may be in a hospital, prison, hospice or other institution. It is a full time commitment, usually over one year. Students are usually paid a small stipend and receive supervisory support and practical experience. Students can accumulate four units (for one year) of CPE, or take one unit at a time which does not offer a stipend. A ChI student describes CPE as, "...rigorous experience of learning to truly be with oneself and those who are suffering and in pain. An incredible education in listening and compassion while embracing our multi-faithed world." For more information, visit the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
How can I find a CPE placement?
ChI will provide you with a list of CPE accredited hospitals and other institutions in the Bay Area and the rest of the country. It will be up to you to make an application and find your own placement. Please note: if you are planning to do CPE, most residency programs begin in September and go through August of the next year. Keep this in mind when planning your ChI program and speak to the program director. For more information, visit the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
What does it mean to be an Interfaith Chaplain?
In the spirit of the Interfaith Minister and after completion of CPE the chaplain takes his/her ministry and pastoral care into the work place. Chaplains are ministers in institutional settings such as hospitals, prisons, police departments, hospices and other places. They support the spiritual and emotional needs of the people through pastoral counseling, bereavement care and other services.
Can I become a Board Certified Chaplain?
In order to find professional employment as a chaplain most institutions require ordination and 4 units of CPE (see above) as well as a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) or the equivalent. Upon completion of these requirements, students can apply for board certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains. Some CPE students continue on in the CPE program to become CPE supervisors. If you are interested in that track you must apply to the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.
Is ChI the right program for me?
ChI is for you if you are looking for a way to develop a personal ministry which is creative and celebrates diversity. ChI will help you to focus upon your path as an interfaith minister and discover how you uniquely express yourself in this work. If you are seeking a way to enter established institutions and help others from a spiritual perspective, then chaplaincy could be very rewarding to you. ChI is a special preparatory program because it supports a creative chaplaincy where the arts are honored as an avenue for healing and spiritual understanding in pastoral care.
Can I check out ChI by attending a class or module?
A free class is offered to interested and prospective students the Wednesday of every module. Call the office to schedule your attendance.
If you have other questions about chaplaincy or ministry, please contact us at 510-843-1422 or chioffice@chaplaincyinstitute.org.