Is there a demand for Chaplains?
Inspire
Is there a demand for Chaplains?
People often ask, “Is there a demand for Chaplains?” The short answer is—YES! Why is there such a demand? One word—CRISIS!
While there are many programs that can restore the material items lost in these tragic events, how do people personally cope and how do they restore their emotional and spiritual stability?
Natural disasters and man-caused disasters are occurring at an alarming rate everywhere across our nation and around the world. Be it a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, tsunami, cyclone, or fire, many people are at a loss and have no idea how to cope. Mass shootings, be it a business, school, or church; riots, murder, rape, and fatal traffic collisions, have caused one’s worldview to be violated causing them to lose trust and hope.
What makes things even more difficult is these things are occurring at a time when religious beliefs are in decline—like never before—across the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19. Overdoses have spiked since the onset of the pandemic. In addition, according to the NIH in a 2022 study, suicide mortality rates have risen by 35 percent in the United States, reaching a peak of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people—the highest rate in 50 years.
A Mental Health America (MHA) study shows suicidal ideation continues to increase among adults in the U.S. Over 2.5 million youth in the U.S. have severe depression, and multiracial youth are at the greatest risk. Rates of substance use are increasing for youth and adults, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 7.74% of U.S. adults and 4.08% of youth had a substance use disorder in the past year. Most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44% reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Concerns about losing one’s safety and security top the list of causes of stress. These statistics should cause great concern for everyone.
For much of human history, people have addressed loss and trauma through traditional faith-based organizations, led by ministers and rabbis, and priests. As people mourn a death and grieve a loss, there are those who are able to empathize with these people and listen not only to the words that are being spoken but also to the emotional and unconscious message being shared. It takes a special type of person to do this. Sadly, with the falling away of church shepherds, many churches have fallen away from the truth of God’s Word. Many churchgoers have lost hope and are uncomfortable seeking their answers in traditional religious situations.
Nevertheless, hope is not lost. Hope can be regained, and hope can be sustained. There is a contingent of people filled with compassion, with a desire to help, who want to meet the needs of those in crisis. These people are willing to reach out and provide aid and comfort to hurting fellow human beings. These people step up to fill a tremendous need for restoring lost hope and showing others where lasting hope is truly found. These people are able to meet spiritual needs when and wherever they arise. These people are trained and called to work inside and outside the structure of religious institutions. These people are known as chaplains.
The world is changing as rapidly as a woman in labor. Contractions of trauma and crisis seem to be occurring closer and closer together. People seem to be more confused and fearful today than at any time in recent history.
The demand for emotional and spiritual care worldwide is rapidly growing. In secular institutions around the country—from police departments to universities, sports clinics to government bodies—chaplains continue to maintain a strong presence.
Many businesses are coming to realize the needs of their employees consist of more than vacation time and personal leave policies. Businesses are recognizing that providing spiritual and emotional care is a key part of an employee’s work-life balance. Some corporations and businesses hire chaplains to assist their employees with faith-based struggles, and who do not have a religious affiliation.
Chaplains can provide crisis intervention and pastoral counseling, as well as worship services to whatever sector of society they are serving.
Churches today are beginning to establish Chaplain Corps. The chaplains work with the clergy to provide faith-based services for their congregation’s needs, as well as respond into the community when disasters occur. This provides an effective way to extend the reach of the clergy staff.
Is there a demand for Chaplains? Yes! And there will continue to be as disasters continue to take place.
Chaplaincy – Success Stories
Students are able to address issues critically and gain the knowledge and experience to offer viable solutions in the marketplace. They have the benefit of gaining real-world experience within the classroom, prior to gaining more through experience.
As students complete classes and perhaps even serve in several disciplines stories unfold. We have collected a couple success stories and made them available to read.