Chaplains are pastors who usually serve in specialized settings, such as prisons, hospitals, counseling centers, and on military installations. As specially trained ministers of the gospel, they seek to encourage others in their relationship with Jesus Christ. They seek to minister to the whole person, addressing not only a person's spiritual needs, but also their physical and emotional needs.

Chaplains operate at the cutting edge where ministry and social structures intersect. They commit themselves to being available to those who are suffering, alienated and confused. They struggle with those who have perplexing questions about suffering, death, and the meaning of life. Chaplains offer resources and guidance that lead towards spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.

Chaplains provide a caring, human environment in which spiritual guidance can be provided. In so doing they are a part of the professional team within the institution. The duality of serving both the church and institution is also key to understanding the challenges and opportunities for this specialized ministry.

Chaplaincy Ministries supports and develops chaplaincy by:

• assisting and supporting prospective candidates through their specialized training
• endorsing chaplains and their ministry
• supporting chaplains and their families
• maintaining links between chaplain and the church through conferences and newsletters
• promoting chaplaincy ministry in the church and community
• participating in national/state/provincial chaplaincy organizations
• educating the church about institutional ministry issues

Resources

Staff are available to provide the following resources:

• consultation to persons interested in chaplaincy
• supporting the development of ministry opportunities
• speaking to churches and organizations about chaplaincy ministry
• connecting chaplains with churches for speaking engagements or education

Links

National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Iraq War Veterans Organization

For more information, contact Herman Keizer Jr. 616-224-0733.

66th CRC Chaplains Conference

June 12-14, 2008 at Calvin College

Thurs June 12 - Rev. Case Vink, Toward a Definition of Spirituality 
Friday June 13 - Rev. Neal Plantinga, Jr. and Rev. Scott Hoezee,  Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching
Friday June 13 - Rev Herman Keizer, Constitutional Issues
Saturday June 14 - Prison Ministry Panel