https://anglicanjournal.com/the-church-needs-us-and-we-need-the-church-feelings-of-isolation-disconnection-common-for-anglican-health-care-chaplains/ National News from the Anglican Church of Canada Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:17:08 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://anglicanjournal.com/the-church-needs-us-and-we-need-the-church-feelings-of-isolation-disconnection-common-for-anglican-health-care-chaplains/#comment-30158 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:17:08 +0000 https://anglicanjournal.com/?p=159763#comment-30158 As long as the term ‘chaplain’ can be assigned without a BCC (Board Certified Chaplain) then how can the medical community that is constant flux view spiritual care services as a legitimate member of their health care team? It has been my experiences (3 different health systems) that even BCC chaplains (like physicians, RN’s, ) may not see their role as a calling, but rather a job. My denomination also believes that the ‘best’ call is to congregational ministry. Within my denomination there are those called to ministry of service (called by chaplain) but not with training or certification. Being a full time chaplain means additional intentional training (CPE) and continued CEUs (50 annually) that keeps one’s call fresh and empowered. Volunteers, community retired clergy, and good sincere lay people can never be the specialist that board certified means. So if denominations, the military, the health teams, and the community don’t get ‘spiritual care services’ provided by a BCC trained specialist who is available for patient, family and staff…then who will? My denomination has high expectations of additional participation of myself in my local congregation. I need nurturing for my spirit, someone to listen to my frustrations and joys, within my denomination. The system where I offer my services expect me to be there for staff. Who is there for the Chaplain?

]]> https://anglicanjournal.com/the-church-needs-us-and-we-need-the-church-feelings-of-isolation-disconnection-common-for-anglican-health-care-chaplains/#comment-23667 Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:06:21 +0000 https://anglicanjournal.com/?p=159763#comment-23667 Yes, I Identify with those same feelings of isolation and disconnectedness which the Health Care Chaplains express in this article. I have been working as a Chaplain in a Provincial Corrections facility part-time for the last 7 years. I retired from Parish Ministry after 40 years of serving in Rupert’s Land and Brandon Dioceses. Although our bishop is very supportive is very supportive and encouraging, it feels like one is not involved in real ministry unless one serves as the Rector of a Parish. It feels as if you are ” out of the loop ” regarding diocesan events, discussion and planning. I think we need better communication between the Dioceses, the National Church and Chaplains in Institutional Ministries.

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