I.F.O.C. Community Chaplaincy Toolkit
Information on how to get started in Community Chaplaincy.
Chaplains carry the ministry of presence to the people they serve. Community chaplaincy offers the opportunity to build supportive, encouraging relationships with people in businesses, schools, shelters for displaced or distressed persons, and the marketplace. Community chaplaincy also opens doors for Chaplains to participate with volunteer agencies serving local people in times of crisis. Community Chaplains routinely visit organizations with which they have established access to provide presence and spiritual care to the people.
What might a Community Chaplain do?
Coming along side of people experiencing difficult times is a key position for a Chaplain. For a Chaplain serving the local community, establishing connections for access is the first step to building rapport with individuals who may be struggling with financial, relational, personal, work, or school-related problems. Chaplains offer the safety of confidentiality as they listen and provide emotional and spiritual care through their presence throughout the encounter.
How to get started as a Community Chaplain
Identify potential chaplaincy opportunities by considering the businesses, schools, community service clubs, or marketplace entities with which you are already familiar, and outline how your chaplain skills and presence could be of benefit. Some entities like your local florist, coffee shop, or auto store may be simple to approach about chaplaincy. Consider contacting your Mayor or City Council Rep.
For other entities, less familiar with you, contact the manager, administrator, or program coordinator and set an appointment to discuss your interest in serving the organization and people as their chaplain.
Have an explanation of your ‘vision statement’ ready to discuss. Dress professionally with an easily identified I.F.O.C. ID badge or uniform.
How do I become an I.F.O.C. Licensed Community Chaplain?
Are you ready to demonstrate to your community that you have the education and experience necessary to serve in your community as a Chaplain? I.F.O.C. Chaplains can now become licensed specifically in Community Chaplaincy! Follow the below steps to receive your Community Chaplaincy License.
- Complete the I.F.O.C. Advanced Chaplaincy credential. Check out the program on our Advanced Chaplain Webpage. The first Tier of the application is the Advanced Chaplain credential.
- Complete the Community Chaplain Specialty (Tier 2) on the second part of the Advanced Chaplain application to receive your Community Chaplaincy license.
Recommended Training Courses
- Assisting Individuals in Crisis – ICISF
- Crisis Care in Cultural Diversity – Dr. Naomi Paget
- Content available from several providers, in class or online:
- Effective Communications
- Bereavement, Grief & Loss
- Psychological First Aid
- Suicide Awareness, Prevention
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