What Is Chaplaincy?

Chaplaincy is ministry in a non-church institutional setting: hospitals, military, prisons, corporations, schools, hospice, and first responder organizations. Chaplains provide pastoral care, spiritual support, and crisis intervention to people who may never enter a church.

For pastors considering a career transition or a bi-vocational ministry option, chaplaincy offers a meaningful way to continue pastoral work outside the traditional church context.

Types of Chaplaincy

Hospital Chaplaincy

Hospital chaplains provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff. Most hospital chaplain positions require a Master of Divinity degree and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units. Full-time hospital chaplains typically earn $45,000-$70,000 per year.

Military Chaplaincy

Military chaplains serve active duty personnel, veterans, and their families. Requirements include ordination, a Master of Divinity, and endorsement from a recognized denomination. Military chaplains are commissioned officers.

Prison and Correctional Chaplaincy

Prison chaplains provide spiritual care to incarcerated individuals and staff. Requirements vary by institution. Many prison chaplain positions are part-time or volunteer, making them accessible to bi-vocational pastors.

Corporate and Workplace Chaplaincy

Corporate chaplains provide confidential pastoral care to employees of businesses and organizations. This is one of the fastest-growing areas of chaplaincy and is often bi-vocational. Organizations like Marketplace Chaplains and Corporate Chaplains of America place chaplains in businesses.

Hospice Chaplaincy

Hospice chaplains provide spiritual care to dying patients and their families. This is deeply meaningful work that draws on pastoral care skills developed in church ministry. Most hospice chaplain positions require CPE units.

Is Chaplaincy Right for You?

Chaplaincy may be a good fit if you:

• Have strong pastoral care and listening skills
• Are comfortable ministering to people of different faiths
• Want to reach people who would never come to a church
• Are considering a career transition from pastoral ministry
• Want a bi-vocational ministry option that uses your pastoral training

How to Get Started

1. Complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Most chaplaincy positions require at least one unit of CPE (400 hours). Contact the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) to find a program near you.
2. Get endorsed by your denomination. Most chaplaincy positions require denominational endorsement. Contact your denomination’s chaplaincy office.
3. Volunteer first. Many hospitals, prisons, and hospice organizations welcome volunteer chaplains. This is the best way to discern if chaplaincy is right for you before making a full commitment.
4. Network with working chaplains. Connect with chaplains in your area through the Association of Professional Chaplains or your denomination’s chaplaincy network.