Before I get started, this blog is intended to reach members of the congregation of Heritage Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, along with any other churches in the region who are interested in learning how having lay chaplains can help benefit all that they do within their communities doing outreach to those who are most vulnerable and in need of compassionate and loving people to assist them. This is also intended for any groups or organizations in the area who partner with various churches to provide that kind of care. This first blog will explain what chaplains and lay chaplains can do for their outreach programs and how they can get involved in this kind of capacity. If you are interested in learning more, please inquire below.
Gathering weekly on Sundays @ 10a
4848 East Cactus Road, #700
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
Story of a Woman
I am going to share a story of a woman named Katie, whom I met many years ago while serving in the Army in Babenhausen, Germany. I met her while working in the health clinic on post, along with her twin daughters. Her story began in the Midwest after she got pregnant and married, where she quickly learned that her husband was abusive, and after several physical assaults,
She was abandoned by her parents, who did not want her to have the babies, so she was on the run for the next two months, living on the streets or wherever she could find. After having the twin girls named Naomi and Sophia, she moved in with an aunt in Massachusetts, who helped her for quite a while with the babies.
Katie wanted a new life and identity, so with her aunt’s approval and support, she enlisted in the Army. She finished basic training and then went on to become a logistics specialist. When I met her in Germany, she was on her second enlistment and held the rank of Sergeant at that time; her daughters were seven years old.
As a medic in the clinic, I had the privilege of checking them in and then helping with their care. After a few visits to the clinic, Katie and I became friends, and she confided in me. She shared her story with me and said it wasn’t until she arrived in Germany that someone finally stepped into her life and helped her.
It was the Catholic Chaplain who guided her to all the resources she needed to get officially divorced, along with getting full custody of her girls. He helped her through it all. He also encouraged her to pray for and forgive her parents for their actions toward her all those years before.
What she learned by all of these actions was that her now ex-husband was serving a life sentence for killing another woman, so getting full custody of her twins was no problem. She gave the credit to the Catholic Chaplain on base for making such a big difference in her life, but gave all of her praise and glory to God for guiding her to the right person, who helped her in so many ways. I did question why no one in her first enlistment offered to help her, but she was unable to answer.
I happened to know this Catholic Chaplain as well, and he did so much for the single men and women on base. He organized trips to the Black Forest, as well as a three-day trip to Nice, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. I also knew him well because I was one of three people in the church choir for Sunday morning mass, along with a doctor I worked with in the clinic, and his wife. It was evident that this chaplain made a difference in many lives that came and went from Babenhausen.
Doing this blog about chaplains resonated with me because I have come to know various chaplains at the three bases I have been assigned, and they offered guidance to me in every experience. Despite losing touch with Katie and her daughters after leaving Germany, I often thought about them and prayed for them, and the information I had on them from over thirty years ago was lost somewhere along the way, but the memories of them and the journey that their mother took to keep those adorable girls safe, it was a blessing that she encountered our amazing Catholic Chaplain on the Army base in Babenhausen, Germany back in early 1989.
What is a Chaplain?
A chaplain is a spiritual caregiver who provides support, guidance, and pastoral care in diverse settings. They help individuals and communities navigate moral, ethical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, often ministering to people of varying beliefs and backgrounds. In many ways, chaplains serve as bridge-meeting individuals in their context and offering compassionate counsel rooted in scriptural truths.
The term “chaplain” traces back to the Latin word “cappellanus,” which referred to those entrusted with the cloak of St. Martin of Tours, a fourth-century Christian figure known for charitable deeds toward the poor. This legacy continues as chaplains now offer holistic pastoral care in both religious and secular institutions, reflecting the ever-present biblical directive to care for those in need. (Matthew 25:35-36)
The Calling and Enabling of Chaplains
In a divine calling within ministry, 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV) states, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” This calling of a chaplain is similar to that of a ministry, which is an invitation by Christ to serve faithfully.
An apostolic example would be the faithful service despite challenges in Paul’s reflections in 2 Timothy 1:1, in which Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus and echoes the sense of divine appointment and the promise that sustains those in ministry. This commitment, driven by God’s will, suggests that chaplains, like Paul, are entrusted with their roles, encouraged to carry out their duties with perseverance, even when faced with significant challenges.
Sacrificial service can be found in Acts 15:26 commends men who have volunteered their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sacrificial nature of chaplaincy is evident, as chaplains often serve in dangerous or emotionally taxing environments. The early apostles’ willingness to give their lives mirrors the dedication required of modern chaplains who serve in contexts such as combat zones, disaster areas, and hospitals amidst pandemics.
Roles and Responsibilities of Chaplains/What does a Chaplain Do?
Chaplains offer guidance and spiritual leadership. Ephesians 4:11 discusses various roles within the church: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers.” Chaplains often fulfill multifaceted roles, providing pastoral care, teaching, counseling, and prophetic insights tailored to their unique institutional contexts.
They act as spiritual leaders, guiding individuals and communities towards faith, hope, and healing. Through these one-on-one conversations, study groups, or worship services, they remind individuals of the hope found in biblical promises: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Chaplains are also responsible for communicating the truth about God. 1 Peter 4:11 advises, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” For chaplains, communicating God’s truth with clarity and compassion is vital. This passage emphasizes the importance of chaplains speaking and ministering under the guidance and strength of God, ensuring their words and actions align with spiritual truths and bring glory to God.
Chaplains are to model the love Jesus Christ demonstrated, meeting people where they are and extending mercy. In all the readings that I am aware of in which people got the attention of Christ, they were thought to be impulsive and disrespectful and not worthy of his attention by his disciples, but Jesus never pushed anyone away. Instead, he showed compassion and love to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. This should always be in the heart of a chaplain as well.
In their roles, chaplains often serve as advocates and mediators. Acts 23:17 indicates, Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, ‘Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” Like Paul advocating for the young man, chaplains act as intermediaries, presenting the concerns of individuals to institutional authorities and ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met.
Much of a chaplain’s work involves simply being present: listening without judgment, maintaining confidentiality, and praying with or for individuals during significant moments of crisis or celebration. This concept resonates in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
The Impact of Chaplaincy
Bringing light in darkness is the mission of chaplains, which resonates with Luke 1:76-79. “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Chaplains embody this mission by providing comfort, hope, and guidance to those in despair, fear, or grief. They illuminate paths toward peace and spiritual well-being for individuals in various institutional settings.
Paul was a perfect example of demonstrating care and continuity, and just as he felt a continuous burden for the well-being of the churches, chaplains bear the ongoing responsibility for the welfare of those under their care, often forming lasting bonds and providing continuing support. Chaplains guide individuals in their spiritual journey, fostering growth and understanding through preaching, teaching, and personal counsel.
Types of Chaplains
Military Chaplains
In the armed forces, chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to service members and their families. They conduct worship services, offer pastoral counseling, and help personnel cope with the stresses and moral complexities of military life. By law, all counseling sessions in the military are completely confidential and fully protected under these laws. [1]
Hospital Chaplains
Hospital chaplains serve patients, families, and staff dealing with serious illnesses, grief, or end-of-life questions. They offer prayers, scriptural comfort, and a calming presence. Chaplains may also facilitate faith-specific rites when requested, reflecting James 5:14-15, which speaks of praying over the sick.[2]
Prison Chaplains
Prisons and correctional facilities often employ chaplains to mentor inmates, guide them in spiritual growth, and provide moral counsel. This aligns closely with the instruction in Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison, and you visited Me.”[3]
Educational Institutions
In schools and universities, chaplains work with students, faculty, and staff to provide a moral and spiritual foundation, leading Bible studies, prayer sessions, or counseling programs.[4]
Workplace Chaplains
Some businesses and organizations employ chaplains to attend to employees’ spiritual and emotional needs. These chaplains foster a supportive work culture, offer counseling, and help individuals manage stress or ethical concerns.[5]
Hospice Chaplaincy
Hospice chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families during end-of-life care. They offer comfort, compassion, and prayer services. As trained listener, they provide a safe space for individuals to share their fears, joys, and hopes as they deal with the transition of life. Hospice chaplains can arrange for support groups, meaningful social activities, and other services to help families cope with the grief that accompanies a loved one’s passing.
They also provide grief counseling and bereavement resources to assist in navigating the range of emotions during this difficult time. Additionally, hospice chaplains are available to facilitate end-of-life conversations and rituals such as memorial services or funerals. Ultimately, hospice chaplains provide comfort and understanding in an atmosphere of respect and peace. They are a lifeline for patients and their families during the end-of-life journey. [6]
Creating a safe space – Spiritual care recognizes the beliefs, practices, and traditions that help people find comfort and meaning in their lives. Chaplains do not proselytize.
Grief support – Bereavement doesn’t start with the death of a loved one. Anticipatory grief is the realization that the end may be near. Hospice chaplains help patients and their families through each stage of grief–before, during, and after death. [7]
University Athletic Teams
University athletic departments employ specific chaplains for various sporting events. It is possible to authorize a personal chaplain for bigger or more popular sports, such as football or basketball. You often see them praying before and after games with the players.
Professional Sports Teams
Most professional sports teams have their own chaplain, who is there for team members and their families, as well as coaching staff and other team personnel. These chaplains offer prayer to all of these people mentioned, as well as lead Bible studies and other things. For example, the chaplain for the Washington Commanders was also a lead pastor at one of the local churches near the Commanders’ training facility.
First Responders/Fire Departments/Police Departments
Most bigger city fire and police departments employ their own chaplains, who offer prayer and counseling for the members and support staff, as well as providing counseling in these stressful and traumatic work environments. Chaplains also assist families when their loved one passes away in the line of duty and often offer encouraging words at funerals and memorial services for these fallen heroes. They offer prayer and guidance at the most difficult of times.[8]
One such fire department chaplain was a man known as Father Mychal Judge, who was the Chaplain for FDNY at the time of the attacks on the World Trade Centers. He was right alongside his colleagues, praying with them and over them, as they worked on a plan to rescue everyone in the buildings. He was one of the first identified casualties of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, as he lost his life doing what he was supposed to be doing.
Those are the chaplains belonging to the New York City Police Department.
Accountability and Training
Chaplains often undergo specialized training in pastoral care, clinical counseling, and ethics. They typically report to both an endorsing faith community and a governing body within their institution. This dual accountability helps maintain doctrinal fidelity and professional integrity. Many chaplains also complete programs such as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for hospital or hospice settings, equipping them to address crisis situations.[9]
Ordination is required in the following settings: Military Chaplaincy, in which they must be ordained by a recognized religious body, along with an ecclesiastical endorsement, and must have a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent; Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy, which requires ordination, a MDIV degree or other graduate theological degree, and must complete CPE units., Federal Prision Chaplaincy also requires ordination and need educational and denominational support; and some Hospital Chaplain Positions (especially full-time), ordination is often required especially for staff chaplains, and also requires endorsement from a recognized religious group, along with CPE training.[10]
Sometimes, ordination is required or preferred for Hospice Chaplaincy, Police, and Fire Department Chaplaincy, and Corporate or Workplace Chaplaincy. Ordination is not required for Lay Chaplaincy, which serves in volunteer or part-time roles, like in nursing homes, jails, outreach ministries, or disaster relief; Community Chaplaincy, which focuses on serving spiritual needs in everyday life and only requires training, certification and accountability; and Outreach Chaplaincy, which often open to non-ordained individuals with a clear calling and training, such as crisis response teams, faith-based non-profits, and street chaplaincy.[11]
Biblical Foundations for Chaplains
Although this was discussed a little earlier, the Bible naturally produces an activity within the Church that resembles chaplaincy, no matter what people may call it. The church reaches out to bless the world around it, regardless of how people respond to the gospel’s call. We do so because God blesses the world he loves, even if the world does not bless him back. We are merciful because God is merciful. God’s work of mercy and blessing is the twin foundation of Christian chaplaincy. The foundations of chaplaincy include:
- The Character of God, knowing that God loves the world.
- The God of Mercy demonstrates that he bestows his gift of love not because we deserve it or because we earn it, or even because we will eventually come to our senses and love him back, but simply because of who he is. One of the words the Bible uses to describe the nature of God is “mercy.” It is in God’s essential character to be merciful. Mercy is God’s gift of deliverance.
- The God of Blessing is God’s gift of pouring good things into our lives. And just as God has mercy on those who crucified him, so he blesses all people, both the good and the bad. Blessing his creation is central to God’s character and central to the whole story of the Bible.
- Jesus sent His Disciples to Heal and Deliver, as the gospels record that during his earthly life, Jesus Christ sent his disciples to announce the nearness of the coming kingdom and to perform the same acts of power that Jesus himself performed. With this knowledge, Christian chaplains can draw several important lessons from Jesus’ instructions to his disciples.
- God empowers the Church for Service and Mercy, as the mission of the church after Jesus’ resurrection is somewhat different than the disciples’ mission before he died. Witness and community are primary. Still, God empowers his church with gifts for ministry that include works of service and mercy. [12]
Challenges and Rewards
Chaplaincy can be demanding, as chaplains encounter grief, trauma, and deep emotional anguish. Yet there is profound reward in seeing lives transformed, comfort offered, and hearts renewed by grace. This ministry often illustrates 2 Corinthians 1:4, which speaks of God comforting us so that we may comfort others.
What is a Lay Chaplain?
A lay chaplain is a chaplain who is not ordained clergy, meaning they are not a pastor, priest, or minister officially recognized by a denomination. However, they are committed Christians or representatives of other faiths, who often have some training in chaplaincy, pastoral care, or counseling, and they can serve in settings like hospitals, schools, prisons, care homes, first responder units, or community outreach centers. They often work under the supervision of an ordained chaplain or ministry leader.[13]
A community chaplain serves people outside traditional religious institutions, often in everyday public life. Their mission is to bring spiritual care into the broader community, particularly to people who are not connected to a local church, are in crisis, marginalized, or isolated, or are facing hardship, like addiction, homelessness, grief, or trauma.[11] They may serve first responders or disaster response teams, homeless shelters, or outreach programs.
Common roles for both include providing spiritual and emotional support, leading prayer or brief devotionals, listening without judgment, helping people navigate grief, trauma, or transitions, referring individuals to resources like mental health, housing, and churches, or being a ministry of presence by simply showing up and caring.[14] Despite not needing seminary degrees or ordination, lay chaplains and community chaplains may still pursue CPE training, take chaplaincy courses, or earn certification through various organizations. [15]
How does One Become a Lay Chaplain?
By contacting your church leadership team, you can inquire about becoming a lay chaplain. The goal at Heritage Church in Scottsdale, AZ, is to have some type of training program by the end of this year, but educating everyone on what it is all about is the priority at this time. For more information, please contact me by responding to this blog or through Heritage Church. Please keep in mind that this addition to the outreach ministry is still a work in progress.
Conclusion
A chaplain engages in holistic ministry, tending to spiritual, emotional, and moral dimensions of people’s lives wherever they may be. Scripture continually calls God’s people to care for others in practical and loving ways, echoing Christ’s charge to “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). As chaplains fulfill this calling, they stand as tangible reminders of divine compassion and truth, pointing individuals to hope, healing, and ultimate reconciliation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is easy for chaplains to struggle with feelings of isolation and pressure while they are constantly serving those who need them most, and it can often be difficult to handle those emotions. Fortunately, God is always with them, and His Word offers the support and encouragement they need at the perfect moment. Bible verses on spiritual health are ever-present and available at our fingertips to see us through every chapter that we face. “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The ministry of chaplaincy, though not explicitly described in the Bible, is rooted in principles deeply embedded within Scripture. Chaplains are divinely called and enabled to serve faithfully, often facing significant personal sacrifice. Their roles as spiritual leaders, advocates, teachers, and caregivers mirror the apostolic examples of the New Testament. By bringing light into the darkness and providing ongoing care, chaplains fulfill a vital and impactful ministry grounded in the timeless truths of the Bible. All you need is the heart of a Good Samaritan. I challenge you to make the move.
[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Types of Chaplains,” Accessed July 26, 2025, https://www.va.gov/chaplain/chaptypes.asp.
[2] Wendy Cadge, Spiritual Care: The Everyday Work of Chaplains, (New York, Oxford University Press, 2023).
[3] Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of the Chaplain, Revised edition, (Valley Forge, PA, Judson Press, 2016).
[4] Elaine Graham, Chaplaincy and the Soul of the University: Faith, Learning, and the Search for Wisdom, (New York, Routledge, 2019).
[5] Paget and McCormack, The Work of the Chaplain.
[6] Wendy Cadge, Spiritual Care.
[7] John M. Casto, The Basics of Hospice Chaplain Ministry: Practical Help fro the New Chaplain, (Jamul, CA, Hisway Prayer Publications, 2019).
[8] International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), “Home,” Accessed July 26, 2025, https://lcpc4cops.org.
[9] George Fitchett and Steve Nolan, Spiritual Care in Practice: Case Studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy, (London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2015).
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12} Alan T. Baker, Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide, (Grand Rapids, MI, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2021).
[13] Lori O’Grady and Brian Hughes, “The Role of Community Chaplains inCrisisi Response and Trauma Support,” Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 75, no. 4, (2021), 203-210.
[14] Wendy Cadge, Spiritual Care.
[15] Katherine Ragsdale, “Professional Chaplaincy and the Path Toward Certification,” Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy 28, no. 3 (2022), 81-95.
Bibliography
Baker, Alan T., Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide, Grand Rapids, MI, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2021.
Cadge, Wendy, Spiritual Care: The Everyday Work of a Chaplain, New York, Oxford University Press, 2023.
Casto, John M. The Basics of Hospice Chaplain Ministry: Practical Help for the New Chaplain, Jamul, CA, Hisway Prayer Publication, 2019.
Doehring, Carrie, The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach, Revised and Expanded Edition, Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press, 2015.
Fitchett, George, and Steve Nolan, eds. Spiritual Care in Practice: Case Studies in Healthcare Chaplaincy, London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2015.
Graham, Elaine, Chaplaincy and the Soul of the University: Faith, Learning, and the Search for Wisdom, New York, Routledge, 2019.
International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC), “Home,” Accessed July 26, 2025, https://icpc4cops.org.
O’Grady, Lori, and Brian Hughes, “The Role of Community Chaplains in Crisis Response and Trauma Support,” Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling 75, no. 4 (2021), 203-210.
Paget, Naomi K., and Janet R. McCormack, The Work of the Chaplain, Revised edition, Valley Forge, PA, Judson Press, 2016.
Ragsdale, Katherine, “Professional Chaplaincy and the Path Toward Certification,” Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy 28, no. 3 (2022), 81-95.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Types of Chaplains,” Accessed July 26, 2025, https://www.va.gov/chaplain/chaptypes.asp.