Responses to living out our vocation

Responses to ‘Making the Case’ for Chaplaincy

I agree with Rev. Harding. We are Pastoral Care and while our office and hours may be different than other professionals we provide a service that no one else can provide. We are all different yet effective tools that God can use at His will. Let us not worry so much about politics and processes and let us be ready to offer the support needed for the next call.

Bey Gonzalez
Chaplain
Florida Hospital Wauchula

I would like to voice a hardy "AMEN" to Rev. Harding's comments regarding living out our vocation as a chaplain. Unfortunately, I too have heard those same kinds of complaints regarding the perceptions some have about chaplaincy. It is somewhat disconcerting that there are those believing that their role as "minister" is the only one that counts. I recall my CPE supervisor asking me during my last unit of clinical training if I needed a steeple in order to minister. My answer was "no" then and remains "no" today. All I need to minister in God's Name is a calling, the ability to breathe, and a heart of compassion.

Al Carden, Director
Pastoral Care Department
Jackson, MS

Harding is quite correct in his observations. He writes that he hears the complaint too often from colleagues that “The other team members/the hospital/my denomination do not understand what chaplains do.” Harding then summarizes, “Sitting in a room whining doesn’t cut it. Explaining can only be so many empty words. I believe that being a chaplain – whatever that takes and whatever that means to you – is the best way to demonstrate the value of pastoral care, backed up with data that measures the quality and the value we add to our institution.”

There is an ironic aspect to the complaint that other team members or colleagues “do not understand” the multifaceted roles of the chaplain. We do not understand their roles any better! Sure, we see the Nurses, or CNA’s or Housekeeping, much less Administrative staff but until and unless they explain in detail their daily responsibilities we have only the vaguest notion of what they do, the stresses under which they serve, and how they measure their success.

Harding is correct when he points out that there is material “out there” on the ‘net to substantiate the role of chaplains. He also offers a link to find it. In the meantime, there may be an additional approach. Perhaps chaplain colleagues might consider suggesting a monthly yearlong series of “in-services” sponsored by the administration where different departments could spend a half-hour or so explaining their unique roles and how they ALL contribute to the wellbeing of their specific institution. If there are refreshments offered, you can almost guarantee attendance. We can all learn to appreciate the others in new ways, even as we get to tell our story.

Rabbi David J. Zucker
Chaplain, Shalom Park
Aurora, CO

I appreciated Steven Harding's willingness to point out clearly the need for us as professional chaplains to focus less on whining and more on demonstration of our work. While learning the language of quality and data-based proof in terms of our value and contributions can be a growing edge for many of us who are relationally based, it is one that we can't ignore. The time has come within our profession for us to more intentionally dedicate time and resources - both personal and organizational - to ensuring that chaplains gain the tools and skills they need to understand quality improvement and articulate their contributions. Providing opportunities and resources for education and implementation are key for our professional organizations as we continue to claim our place in healthcare, business, prisons, the military, or whatever venue in which we serve. We can't simply complain that we aren't being understood; we must step up to the plate and demonstrate where and why we belong.

Sue Wintz, BCC
President-Elect, APC
Staff Chaplain
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ

Do you have thoughts about advocacy you’d like to share with your colleagues? Send an e-mail to info@PlainViews.org.