Episode 7: Institution Guest or Valued Team Member?

Are chaplains truly part of the institutions they serve, or are they merely guests? Discover the surprising tensions and unique advantages of chaplaincy’s liminal role.

00:00 Introduction to Chaplaincy Chain Podcast
01:06 Meet the Guests: Carmen and James
02:29 Chaplains as Guests or Integral Members?
10:17 The Benefits of Integration in Institutions
14:49 Professionalism and the Role of Chaplains
24:57 Navigating Liminal Spaces
28:02 The Complexity of Chaplaincy Roles
30:08 Navigating Institutional Identity
32:23 The Role of Endorsement in Chaplaincy
36:54 Loneliness and Professional Support
41:52 The Evolving Landscape of Chaplaincy
46:10 Future Directions for Chaplaincy Development

Chaplaincy exists in a fascinating space. Chaplains often find themselves at the intersection of institutional expectations and individual spiritual needs. This begs the question: Are chaplains merely guests within the institutions they serve, or do they hold a more central, integral role? 

The discussion reveals the complexities inherent in defining a chaplain’s role. Does the nature of employment – whether directly by the institution or through an external organization – dictate their sense of belonging? Or does it lie in their ability to contribute to the institution’s broader goals while maintaining a unique, often spiritual, perspective?

The Chaplain’s Role: Guest or Integral Member?

The perception of chaplains as “guests” carries certain connotations. It suggests a temporary presence, perhaps someone not fully aligned with the institution’s primary objectives. However, this view doesn’t resonate with many chaplains, particularly those employed directly by the organizations they serve. Carmen notes that most Dutch chaplains are employed by their institutions, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. These organizations recognize the value chaplains bring to healthcare, prisons, the military, and various other settings.

However, the “guest” analogy raises an important point. Chaplains often introduce perspectives that diverge from the dominant norms. They create space for reflection, spirituality, and ethical considerations that might otherwise be overlooked. This unique contribution is invaluable, yet it also highlights the inherent tension between integration and maintaining a distinct identity.

The question of whether chaplains are guests is crucial because it impacts their security and integration within an institution. As Mark points out, guests can be uninvited. Chaplains who are paid and employed by the institution are more likely to be seen as integral to its work. This integration ensures that chaplaincy is fully embedded in the institution’s activities.

Bob, drawing from his experience in prison chaplaincy, emphasizes the importance of being a core part of the delivery team. While acknowledging the perspective of some European colleagues who value their “guest” status for its perceived freedom, Bob deeply values being core to the institution. James reinforces this view. He sees his work as central to university life, promoting the common good of the entire community. His integration is vital for receiving the necessary resources and funding.

Advantages of Institutional Integration

Being integrated into an institution offers significant advantages. It provides access to structures, resources, and networks crucial for effective chaplaincy. In healthcare, integration allows chaplains to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, access patient records, and contribute to holistic care. This collaborative approach ensures that spiritual needs are addressed alongside physical and psychological well-being.

Despite these advantages, there’s a counterargument. A chaplain noted the benefit of offering critique when not directly paid by the institution. This touches upon the prophetic voice that chaplains can offer, speaking truth to power. It demonstrates the delicate balance between being an insider and an objective observer.

Potential Drawbacks: Resource Dependence and Symbiosis

Relying on an institution’s resources also presents potential drawbacks. Bob warns that the relationship can change quickly if resources are cut due to poor performance or failure to meet institutional aims. A stronger, more resilient chaplaincy is built on symbiotic relationships with the disciplinary, faith, and institutional communities, creating mutual benefits.

Without symbiosis, the relationship can become parasitic rather than mutually beneficial. Drawing from a nature metaphor, Bob explains, “If you don’t get that symbiosis right, where actually you’re mutually beneficial…you suddenly become a cuckoo, and then the institution is quite likely to kick you out the nest.”

This is why professionalization is becoming increasingly important. As Mark notes, conversations in healthcare chaplaincy are moving toward professionalizing to be seen as a distinct profession. Historically, Christian chaplains were sent into institutions, but in today’s post-secular environment, the concept of chaplain identity and common purpose is evolving.

The Push for Professionalisation

The professionalisation of chaplaincy is a complex issue. The discussion raises an important question: Does becoming a “professional” chaplain require detaching from one’s religious or spiritual roots? Carmen draws on the work of philosopher Alastair McIntyre, who argues that a profession is defined by an internal good that all members strive toward. In chaplaincy, this could mean working toward the spiritual health of all individuals within an organisation.

Carmen explains, “If you want to work towards spiritual health of all people in an organization, it would be really difficult to do that just from the outside. You have no idea how the organisation works.”

Integration allows chaplains to offer spiritual care at multiple levels, providing education to other professionals and facilitating ethical deliberations. This requires translating religious and spiritual concepts into practical terms for colleagues, which in turn means that chaplains must understand their own spiritual roots and how to communicate these effectively.

The Liminal Space: An Outside Insider

While integration and professionalisation are valuable, maintaining an “outsider” perspective is equally important. Carmen shares insights from her research on chaplaincy for veterans suffering from moral injury. Veterans often confide in chaplains because they represent something different from the military’s dominant discourse. Chaplains offer a space to explore guilt, question their role, and consider options beyond simply “getting back on track.”

This highlights the concept of liminality – the state of occupying a space between two defined categories. Chaplains are insiders within the institution, yet they also operate in a liminal space between the organization and the worldview communities that inform their understanding of human experience. They translate between the dominant discourses of health or safety and the more profound questions of meaning, loss, and spirituality.

Chaplains in healthcare are a good example of this liminal role. While doctors focus on physical healing, chaplains address the existential challenges that arise when healing is not possible. This outsider perspective is critical, providing a voice that acknowledges the limits of control and the inevitability of suffering.

Bob emphasizes the complexities of the chaplain’s role, urging practitioners to avoid becoming “pseudo-psychologists.” Chaplains are trained to stand outside the organization, offering critical friendship and spiritual care. Their professionalism lies in their ability to navigate these different roles effectively.

The Importance of Rooted Values and External Support

Rooted values are key to being a successful chaplain. Chaplains represent something bigger than the institution. This is true whether they are sponsored by a faith community or not. This broader representation widens the perspectives of those they serve. Mark highlights how chaplains working with bereaved parents can be integrated into the hospital but remain distinct from other staff, allowing the parents to express concerns without fear of reprisal.

The Ground We Stand On: Authority and Representation

The question of “whose ground are we on?” ultimately points to the individuals and groups that chaplains support. These individuals grant chaplains the authority to act, influenced by the chaplain’s role within the institution, representation of a faith or belief community, and membership in the chaplaincy profession.

The authority granted to chaplains can differ based on the individual served. Some value institutional recognition, while others prioritize the chaplain’s connection to a faith community. Still others see value in being part of a distinct profession. These aspects are woven together uniquely in each individual encounter.

Bob summarizes how key these relationships are, “Because if we are seen to be professionals within the institution and core to the institution, I think that actually the accountability that we have to a disciplinary community of some sort, I would guess, is really important…”

Conclusion

The role of chaplains within institutions is multifaceted and constantly evolving. While integration offers access to resources and networks, maintaining an outsider perspective is essential for providing critical support and challenging dominant norms. Professionalisation can enhance respect and accountability, but chaplains must remain grounded in their values and connected to their communities.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of chaplaincy lies in the ability to navigate these tensions, building symbiotic relationships with institutions while remaining true to the spiritual needs of the individuals they serve. The conversation underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and reflection within the chaplaincy community.

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