Ordained Chaplains: The Work of the Chaplain #87 with Daniel Whyte III

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Ordained Chaplains: The Work of the Chaplain #87 with Daniel Whyte III

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 87. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Mark 16:15 which says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from R.C. Sproul. He said: “The church has been established by Christ to be an arm, but armies, in order to be effective, must be very sensitive in caring for their wounded. There is always a major work to be done within the church in terms of ministering to the needs of the people.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Conclusion / “Therefore go…”.

The work of the chaplain begins with intentional preparation for spiritual care ministry— seminary education, specific training in counseling and leadership, and integration of life experiences with personal reflection to gain an appreciation for the perspectives of people very different than oneself. With institutional awareness and a desire to walk with people through all circumstances of life, the chaplain takes God’s presence to the world in battlefields, surgical waiting rooms, manufacturing plants, think tanks, fire houses, dormitory lobbies, homeless shelters, race tracks, casinos, evacuation centers, or emergency disaster mortuaries. For the Christian chaplain, this ministry is part of fulfilling the Great Commission, proclaimed by Jesus on the mountain before he ascended again into heaven:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Christian chaplain is committed to proclaim God’s love to a world that may never step through the doors of a church; therefore, the chaplain steps through the doors of the church into the world. Taking the initiative to meet people in their pain and suffering requires courage and compassion. The chaplain intentionally chooses to enter into the lives of people, accompanying them on a journey that may include hardship as well as joy.

As a minister in an environment of differing cultures, interests, and religions, the chaplain is a religious pluralist, seeking ways to allow all people to express their faith or lack of faith in meaningful ways, being inclusive without compromising his or her own faith. Without proselytizing, the Christian chaplain evangelizes the world through his or her own character, integrity, compassion, and witness. As chaplains minister to the spiritual needs of people, they engage in spiritual conversations that often lead to opportunities to share their personal faith and religious beliefs.

After listening to Roberta share her story of pain and disappointment, the chaplain asked, “What would be helpful for you right now, Roberta?” She replied, “I just need some hope. How do you get through tough times, Chaplain?”

When direct evangelistic conversations don’t materialize, Christian chaplains do preevangelism—laying the foundation for future opportunities to share the gospel. They demonstrate true compassion, genuine interest in the lives of their clients, and agape love for all people. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, chaplains must “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

Chaplains minister in the tension of seeking to find balance—between serving God, serving people, and serving the institution that employs them; between their accountability to the ecclesiastical body that endorses them and to the institution that retains them; between being a spiritual caregiver and a religious provider; between being inclusive of all faith traditions and not compromising their own beliefs; between providing meaningful spiritual care and knowing when to refer to a specialist. Spiritual maturity, a servant heart, and humility are essential attitudes for the successful chaplain.

It is our hope that any who seeks the work of the chaplain will be blessed by any insights found in these pages. May you fulfill God’s calling upon your life and bring the kingdom of God ever nearer to the people of God.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now this is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9-13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

God bless.

Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 3 (The Work of the Chaplain #86)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 3 (The Work of the Chaplain #86) with Daniel Whyte III

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 86. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is 1 Corinthians 9:27 which says, “But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Emmett Fitzgerald. He said: ““I had never been told that empathy is a finite resource. You can run out. As a normal, psychological response, you cannot give of yourself again and again and again without replenishing.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 12 – Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain (Part 3).

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a secondary form of post-traumatic stress and may occur when a chaplain vicariously experiences a trauma event by providing spiritual care to a client who was the actual person experiencing the traumatic event—by listening to the story of the event or experiencing the reactions to the trauma through empathetic contact with the client. Vulnerability caused by depleted resources—burnout—may prevent chaplains from preserving a critical distance between themselves and the event. Chaplains and other spiritual caregivers are especially vulnerable to compassion fatigue. It is the costly result of inadequate self-care and constant caregiving to clients who are suffering from many kinds of crises and traumatic life events.

One of the most profound issues of chaplain stress or burnout is the inevitable change it causes in the chaplain’s life and ministry. Some physical changes such as anxiety or high blood pressure are very temporary, and chaplains manage to return to full health and function within a normal time frame. However, when chaplains are subjected to long-term stress and the resulting reactions of mental and physical exhaustion, they often experience changes in their values and beliefs. That which was held as sacred has been violated. Perspectives have changed. Chaplains may experience doubt and uncertainty regarding their calling, the value of their ministry, or even their faith.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, for some chaplains who were also clergy persons with congregational responsibilities, four months of ministry to victims and congregants was too much. They were physically exhausted, emotionally depleted, and weary of government promises and excuses. They questioned their calling as clergy and reconsidered social ministry. Many lost faith in the good intentions of relief organizations that seemed to have secondary motives. And many no longer believed that the United States was able to handle its own emergencies.

Health and empowerment for the chaplain begin with intentional preventative self-care and are maintained by institutional, professional, and peer support. If you are a chaplain in crisis, STOP.

Get help. You must take care of yourself before you can help others. The ministry of compassion and caring must come from the overflow of God’s compassion and caring in your life. If life is full of questions, your resources are depleted, and you are facing a crisis of belief, take what we in the Christian tradition call an “Emmaus walk” (see Luke 24:13-22). Allow the spirit of God to walk along with you—to answer questions, to clarify options, and to fellowship with you. When you feel your heart burning within you, you will be restored and empowered to do the work of the chaplain.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 2 (The Work of the Chaplain #85)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 2 (The Work of the Chaplain #85) with Daniel Whyte III

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 85. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Christopher Ash, author of Zeal Without Burnout: Seven Keys to a Lifelong Ministry of Sustainable Sacrifice. He said: “As someone who has spent the last decade training young men and women for Christian service, I have been keen to help them see that the best kinds of ministry are, more often than not, long term and low key. I have tried to prepare them for a marathon, not a short, energetic sprint. In other words, to help them have a lifetime of sustainable sacrifice, rather than an energetic but brief ministry that quickly fades in exhaustion.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 12 – Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain (Part 2).

Self-care

Ultimately, health and empowerment for the chaplain begins with self-care. Chaplains must initiate good, lifelong habits of self-care. These habits may include eating a well-balanced diet, participating in regular physical exercise, maintaining significant relationships, getting adequate rest and sleep, and having an active prayer and devotional life, in addition to the various requirements of a chaplain’s institution or ecclesiastical body. Effective self-care involves preventive maintenance as well as asking for help when personal resources are inadequate to maintain physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

On a very practical level, preventative maintenance includes reducing refined sugars, caffeine, fats, alcohol, salt, and cholesterol; increasing cardio-vascular exercise; getting six to eight hours of sleep each night; being an active participant in a faith community; maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones and associates by balancing work and personal life; and making time for recreation, hobbies, vacations, or sabbaticals.

The work of the chaplain may be very stressful and burnout is the most obvious reaction to longterm stress. Burnout is the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that occurs when several events in succession or a combination of other stressors impose a high degree of stress on an individual. There are several contributing factors in chaplain burnout. These may include such issues as professional isolation, the emotional and physical drain of providing continuing empathy, ambiguous successes, maintaining an unrealistic pace, “Messiah Complex,” and human finitude. Chaplains who are experiencing burnout may feel isolation, depression, apathy, or pessimism. They may feel indifferent or even hopeless. Symptoms include physical exhaustion, behavioral irritability, or emotional negativity. Chaplains experiencing these feelings may be entering the beginning stages of a more complex problem—compassion fatigue.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 1 (The Work of the Chaplain #84)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain, Part 1 (The Work of the Chaplain #84) with Daniel Whyte III

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 84. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Anthony Hilder. He said: “The importance of maintaining self-care in ministry cannot be overstated. It certainly faces numerous challenges and battles. Some are internal challenges, from our own thoughts and actions. Others are external challenges, due to the impact of situations or people outside of our control. To last as a [ministry] leader is to develop systems and habits that ensure we sustain ourselves, and therefore our leadership influence, for a long time.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 12 – Health and Empowerment for the Chaplain (Part 1).

The work of the chaplain provides great rewards and fulfillment for the individual who seeks to minister outside the traditional walls of the church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. The ministry includes opportunities to perform religious tasks, spiritual care, advocacy, and spiritual healing in addition to many other services specific to the particular setting in which the chaplain works. Whether the setting is in the realm of the military installation, healthcare institution, correctional facility, disaster site, sports arena, or homeless shelter, the demands of spiritual care ministry may prove taxing on the chaplain. Intentionally choosing to walk alongside and share the burdens of people in need results in physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue for the caregiver.

Institutions

How does the chaplain maintain health, and how is the chaplain empowered to continue providing spiritual care to a world full of needs? The institutions which employ chaplains often have programs for maintaining employee health through the human resources department or through employee assistance programs. The irony is that chaplaincy is often considered a form of employee assistance. Through company self-help groups and company referrals, the chaplain, too, may receive professional help when necessary. Financial stress, substance abuse, divorce—these are real problems for real people. The chaplain is not immune to the same issues and crises that all people face. Employee assistance counselors may provide referrals, educational materials, and other resources to keep the chaplain healthy. After all, healthy chaplains are an asset to the institution.

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations, too, recognize chaplain vulnerability and provide resources and networking opportunities for chaplains.

The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and other chaplain organizations present annual conferences with myriad workshops, seminars, and plenary sessions to inform, encourage, and resource chaplains in their professional and personal lives. These chaplain organizations usually have state organizations that also host monthly or quarterly in-service trainings and meetings for peer support. The APC requires board certified chaplains to maintain their credentials by participating in a minimum number of hours of conferences, support groups, and other activities each year. The International Conference of Police Chaplains and the Association of Fire Chaplains have conducted annual conferences for many years. These conferences have similar purposes for equipping and encouraging law enforcement and fire chaplains. The Yale Center for Faith and Culture in joint efforts with Tyson Foods, Inc., have also sponsored similar conferences with an emphasis on workplace chaplaincy.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

Minefields for the Chaplain, Part 7 (The Work of the Chaplain #83)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Minefields for the Chaplain, Part 7 (The Work of the Chaplain #83) with Daniel Whyte III

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 83. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Elizabeth Elliot. She said, “Where there is no “moral gravity” – that is, no force that draws us to the center – there is spiritual weightlessness. We float on feelings that will carry us where we never meant to go; we bubble with emotional experiences that we often take for spiritual ones; and we are puffed up with pride. Instead of seriousness, there is foolishness. Instead of gravity, flippancy. Sentimentality takes the place of theology. Our reference point will never serve to keep our feet on solid rock, for our reference point, until we answer God’s call, is merely ourselves. We cannot possibly tell which end is up. Paul calls them fools who ‘…measure themselves by themselves, to find in themselves their own standard of comparison!’”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 7)

Ethics

The chaplain functions at the invitation of an institution (e.g., NASCAR, the US Army, or South County Jail) and is governed by certain accepted professional standards. These are the ethical standards for which chaplains also establish boundaries. Within these institutions or similar organizations, chaplains and administrators have established professional standards for the ministry actions of chaplains. Setting appropriate boundaries means knowing what actions are acceptable and establishing personal limits in light of those standards. For example, some institutions may consider it an ethics violation if a chaplain dates an employee, or if a chaplain accepts expensive gifts from a patient, or if a chaplain provides legal advice for an inmate, or if a chaplain carries a sidearm. Chaplains must be willing to accept the ethical standards of the institution—or set their own boundaries and be willing to accept the consequences as administered by the institution.

When chaplains set boundaries, simple and direct language is most effective. Since boundaries are personal, there is no need to explain or defend one’s position. Fear of rejection and guilt sabotage the boundaries that a chaplain establishes. When boundaries are set with right intentions and respect for others, they set healthy limits to action, relationships, and self-care for the chaplain. Healthy boundaries allow the chaplain and client to set empowering standards for behavior and interpersonal relations.

A chaplain must always be guarded about boundary violations—his or her own and those of the client. The most violated boundaries are physical and emotional. On the chaplain’s part, standing too close to a person without that person’s permission is an infringement of his or her personal space. Touching people without permission—no matter how innocent—is unethical and inappropriate. People have the right to refuse handshakes, hugs, and hand-holding. Some cultures even forbid it. Eavesdropping on conversations, searching through or handling other people’s personal property without permission, and otherwise violating a person’s right to privacy are other ways physical boundaries are trespassed.

Perhaps the most painful boundary violations are those that affect people emotionally. While no chaplain would yell or scream at a client—which is abusive at its very core—breaking commitments, telling people they should or should not do something, or assuming a patronizing attitude could be equally abusive. A memory for names and details, cultural sensitivity, honesty, commitment, and extending grace are qualities that show respect for emotional boundaries.

Chaplain Misconduct

What causes misconduct among chaplains? Could it be the wrong attitude? Chaplains are not exempt from questionable behavior. They often struggle to find the black and white as they muddle through the gray. Chaplains who believe they are invulnerable are naive and unrealistic about their abilities and perhaps the motives of others. Chaplain misconduct is a betrayal of sacred trust.

Chaplains live in the tension of setting appropriate personal and professional boundaries while respecting the boundaries of others. With a clear understanding of their own faith, values, and beliefs, chaplains make the difficult decisions that exist in the gray areas of ministry. Chaplains each must consider safety, legality, morality, and ethics as they set and maintain boundaries.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

“Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 6) (Work of the Chaplain 82)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 6) (Work of the Chaplain 82)

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 82. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 6)

Safety

Some criteria chaplains may use to determine appropriate boundaries may include the basic issues of safety, legality, morality, and ethics. Some chaplain settings create a special awareness of safety issues. Law enforcement chaplains deal with the possibility of dangerous suspected criminals, shootings, or high-speed vehicle chases. Fire chaplains deal with burning buildings, electrical and water hazards, or uncontrollable wildfires. Hospital chaplains deal with communicable diseases, radiation exposure, or hostile family members. Sports chaplains deal with avalanche, accidents, and stampedes. Industrial chaplains deal with explosions, toxic waste, or workplace violence. Correctional chaplains deal with fights, murders, and escapes. Crisis intervention chaplains deal with unpredictable natural disasters, food contamination, and health hazards. Military chaplains deal with war, bombings, and riots. In every setting, chaplains deal with issues that threaten or compromise their safety. Each chaplain must make intentional decisions about appropriate safety boundaries. Ask yourself, “What am I willing to do? Where am I willing to go? Who am I willing to see?”

Legality

Most chaplains would say, “I wouldn’t intentionally break the law.” But there are times when chaplains may need to clarify their own boundaries regarding what is legal and what is right. Chaplains are not exempt from the law. Setting boundaries means knowing the conditions under which one is willing to suffer the consequences of breaking the law. Breaking the law definitely has consequences. Shielding the criminal, nondisclosure, violating the right to free exercise of religion—these are decisions that have serious consequences. Chaplains must know the statutes that affect their ministry and set appropriate boundaries against those individuals who would manipulate or coerce them into illegal activity.

Morality

There are moral principles that govern the ministry of a chaplain. These principles are usually based on personal values and principles. They often reflect the chaplain’s faith and tenets of his or her religious belief. As such, the chaplain’s faith group may establish boundaries that the chaplain must accept or reject. Again, this requires self-awareness and the ability to set appropriate boundaries. The chaplain may say, “My church does not allow me to baptize people outside my faith tradition, but I will contact a minister who will be pleased to baptize your baby.” Morals are personally held beliefs; therefore, they may clash with the beliefs of clients whose culture or religion is different or even abhorrent to the chaplain. Setting boundaries is not about being right. It is about doing what one believes is morally acceptable and demonstrating grace to those whose values and principles differ.

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

“Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 4 (Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #80)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · “Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 4 (Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #80)

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 80. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Proverbs 2:11 which says, “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He said, “A man who confesses his sins in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person. As long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins, everything remains in the clear, but in the presence of a brother, the sin has to be brought into the light.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 4)

Confidentiality & Privilege in the Workplace (contd.)

Chaplains face more questions than answers. Without clearly stated policies, chaplains, their employers, and the endorsing religious organizations continue to struggle with the questions that arise in areas of personal choice, morals, values, or priorities. If chaplains do not initiate spiritual conversations but hear sensitive information during the nonreligious conversation, will the state consider the sensitive or incriminating information protected under the clergy/penitent privilege? When the chaplain is employed directly by the institution, where is the line between obligation to institutional policy and client confidentiality? What are the ethical issues surrounding confidentiality of withholding information about an employee with AIDS or other communicable diseases when they work in food processing plants or healthcare facilities? What are the ethical issues surrounding illegal activity within the institution when the chaplain ministers to law enforcement personnel?

Most exceptions for client privilege deal with suicide, homicide, and child/elder abuse or neglect. But to whom are chaplains bound? Are they bound to their direct supervisors? Which ones—the supervisors in the institution that employs them or the supervisors in their ecclesiastical or religious body? Or are they bound only to the faith tradition they embrace?

For as solemnly as chaplains profess to maintain confidentiality, there are legal, ethical, and moral obligations that cause angst. Chaplains may eventually face an interesting dilemma: When does the chaplain’s high ethic of maintaining confidentiality make the chaplain a silent accomplice? The questions are difficult to answer, and there are no clear-cut solutions to the problems that arise regarding privileged communication, confidentiality, and privacy. Chaplains will continue to struggle in the confluence of law, professional ethics, and morality.

Diagnosis & Assessment

Diagnosis and assessments are essential in the work of the chaplain. Accurate assessments are helpful as the chaplain plans ministry intervention, but a careless diagnosis and superficial assessment may create more harm than good. There is always a risk involved in assessing people’s needs. Chaplains and clients are both vulnerable, and there is always the potential of inappropriate or damaging interventions.

The globalization of our nation and workplace has created cultural and religious diversity that in turn creates multiple needs and multiple expectations. The perception of needs varies among all clients based on cultural factors such as religion (or lack of religion), age, gender, ethnic heritage, economic status, physical disability, or previous trauma. In order to ease the tension of doing too much or doing too little, chaplains must have an intentional plan to assess and diagnose the client’s needs.

It was two o’clock in the morning when the phone rang, and the chaplain knew it would be an emergency, “I hope it’s okay, Chaplain. Did I wake you? I had my first DOA [dead on arrival], and I can’t quit thinking about it”. With four simple words, the chaplain began her mental assessment, “Tell me about it. …”

If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

————

— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #79

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #79

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 79. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is John 14:18 which says, “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from the late Chaplain Emil Kapaun. He said, “When I was ordained, I was determined to ‘spend myself’ for God. I was determined to do that cheerfully, no matter in what circumstances I would be placed or how hard a life I would be asked to lead.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 3)

Privacy
The third term, privacy, relates to the concept that individuals have the right to choose for themselves the time and circumstances under which personal information might be disclosed to others. Privacy might be a moral concept that is supported in many faith traditions, but it is also a professional construct that is governed by several statutes, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). These acts establish under which circumstances an individual’s privacy may or may not be invaded, and they are intended as proactive measures against breaches of confidentiality. Chaplains are traditionally expected to be morally and ethically bound to honor these same privacy concepts.

Confidentiality & Privilege in the Workplace

Best practices in the workplace may include clear statements of policy regarding confidentiality and chaplain-client privilege, specifically stating exceptions based upon statutory requirements and institutional policy. The problematic issues are in the variables that arise—whether or not the institution is a private or publicly traded company, whether or not the institution deals with matters of national security, whether or not the institution’s mission is law enforcement. Furthermore, clearly defining “imminent danger” to self, others, and national security may be ethical issues in and of themselves for the chaplain and the human resources department of the particular institution.

In the world of the FBI chaplain, there is another dimension of confidentiality of which one must constantly be aware: “Top Secret” carries another layer of legal and ethical responsibilities. Legally the FBI chaplain is bound by the strictest penalties for disclosure, and ethically the FBI chaplain is bound to a self-governed policy of oral and written communication on a “need to know” basis. Exceptions in this world include the usual “harm to self” and “harm to others,” the sometimes institutionally added “illegal activity,” and the federally mandated “threat to national security.”

In the corporate environment, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses corporate governance and financial disclosure. However, in the world of the chaplain, there are presently few clearly defined rules for accountability in the area of privileged communication and disclosure.

If the Lord tarries His Coming and we live, we will continue learning about the Work of the Chaplain in our next podcast.

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— PRAYER —

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Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

“Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 2 (Ordained Chaplains: The Work of the Chaplain #78)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · “Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 2 (Ordained Chaplains: The Work of the Chaplain #78)

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 78. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Proverbs 11:13 which says, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Billy Graham. He said, “Confidentiality is the essence of being trusted.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 2)

Confidentiality

Confidentiality pertains to professional ethics whereby the chaplain assures the client of nondisclosure to the fullest extent allowed by state law. Clients must be able to assume that their conversations will be kept confidential to ensure a spiritually and emotionally healing relationship with the chaplain. Some professionals, such as medical professionals, counselors, and attorneys, are legally required to maintain strict confidentiality. The law does not necessarily require a chaplain to maintain strict confidentiality, but in most cases, it does provide the opportunity for the chaplain to protect a client’s confidential communication if the communication was conveyed to the chaplain acting in a professional capacity as a spiritual advisor (as opposed to talking to the chaplain as a golf partner, relative, or committee member). Generally, conversations in the presence of a third person are not considered confidential. (An exception would be an inmate who cannot speak to a chaplain without the presence of a guard.) Ultimately, the responsibility of keeping such a confidence belongs to the individual chaplain; therefore, the consequence for disclosure or nondisclosure also belongs to the chaplain.

During a profession mentoring session, a colleague expressed some concern over an issue of confidentiality and mandated reporting. “Chaplain, you realize that in Colorado clergy are mandated reporters? You could be criminally charged for withholding such information.” “Yes, but the information I received was entrusted to me during a pastoral counseling session with the child. I am aware of the personal consequences legally, but it’s a difficult position for me. I must choose between obeying the law or obeying my conscience to honor a child’s hardwon trust in my confidentiality.”

Confidentiality is also a moral concept supported in many faith traditions. The moral obligation of the chaplain is not absolute, however; thus, professional ethics determine when the confidentiality of the helping relationship might be broken. The chaplain may predetermine that a moral standard requires disclosure if the client is a threat to self or others. Or the chaplain may predetermine that in a medical emergency, personal information may need to be revealed to ensure the client’s welfare or safety. Essentially, the chaplain must make a choice about breaking a promise or violating a covenant.

Chaplains should assure their clients that their conversations are confidential, only if in fact they are. Some people are fearful that no conversations are confidential, so such assurances are necessary to build trust and confidence in clients to approach their chaplain for spiritual counseling. That is why, ethically, chaplains must inform the client when conversations are not absolutely confidential.

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— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.

“Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 1 (Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #77)

Gospel Light Society Podcasts · “Minefields” for the Chaplain, Part 1 (Ordained Chaplains: Work of the Chaplain #77)

Welcome to the Ordained Chaplains podcast. My name is Daniel Whyte III, president of Gospel Light Society University, and this is “The Work of the Chaplain” Lesson 77. The simple purpose of this podcast is to help those who are interested in serving others through chaplaincy, pastoring, coaching, and counseling to learn the basics of this profession.

Our Work of the Chaplain Passage for this episode is Proverbs 25:9-10 which says, “…Discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.”

Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from Billy Graham. He said, “Confidentiality is the essence of being trusted.”

In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.

Our topic today is: Chapter 11 – “Minefields” for the Chaplain (Part 1)

— Privileged Communication, Confidentiality, & Privacy

Trust is a critical issue in the chaplain/client relationship. Spiritual and emotional healing can only take place where trust and transparency are present. When people are in distress, they are vulnerable and say things that they would ordinarily keep to themselves. Chaplains are often the guardians of very private or sacred information.

The distinctions of privileged communication, confidentiality, and privacy are very important. While these concepts refer to the relationship between the chaplain and the client and are established for the benefit of the client, the concepts have their basis established from different sources. Privileged communication is a right established by law, confidentiality is an ethical concept applied by the chaplain, and privacy is a moral concept invoked by the client. These concepts are often discussed under the overarching umbrella of confidential communication.

Privileged Communication

Privileged communication is a legal term describing the prohibition of a client’s confidence from being disclosed in a court of law without his or her consent. The right of privileged communication belongs to the client and is meant for the client’s protection. While often perceived as being absolute, privileged communication does have its exemptions, even for the chaplain or clergy person. Forty-nine states have some form of privileged communications for clergy but also mandate reporting of child abuse. (Washington does not include clergy as mandated reporters.) The description of this privilege varies, and some states have specific exemptions. Many states specifically grant clergy-penitent privilege in pastoral communications but deny the privilege in cases of child abuse or neglect. Some states have not addressed the issue of clergy-penitent privilege within their reporting laws but include clergy in a broad category of professional “other persons” who work with children. Because the laws vary from state to state, it is the responsibility of each chaplain to know the exceptions for his or her particular chaplain ministry setting.

Since the client’s right of privileged communication is not inviolate, the same governing body that grants the privilege may revoke the privilege. Therefore, it is not a right that chaplains or clients should assume in all cases. These laws frequently change, requiring chaplains to remain vigilant regarding privilege changes. Chaplains should clarify the laws of the state in which they provide ministry and should engage legal counsel when uncertain about disclosure of information. Clergy-penitent privilege does not excuse a chaplain from being subpoenaed or appearing in court, but it does protect the chaplain from being forced to disclose privileged information during a deposition or court appearance. Usually, the appropriate attorney will make the objection for the chaplain.

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— PRAYER —

***

Now, if you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, here’s how.

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God bless.