Chaplaincy Department

Chaplaincy

 Chaplains provide a vital ministry of presence to those in need, serving in a variety of contexts including, but not limited to:

  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Prisons
  • Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Fire Departments
  • Military Settings
  • Sports Teams
  • Community Missions and Events
  • House Blessings
  • Funerals
  • Family Ceremonies
  • Building Dedications
  • Street Ministry

These diverse environments allow chaplains to offer support and guidance across multiple sectors of society.

Our Value Proposition:

Our Core Values:

  • God-fearing – revering for God is our foundation.
  • Love – displaying Christ’s unconditional love to all people.
  • Justice – standing up for what is right.
  • Honesty – being transparent in our dealings.
  • Courage – being bold socially, morally, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Excellence – being extremely good at what we do.
  • Accountability– taking full responsibility for our actions

Our Operational Culture:

Pursuant of our objective to foster holistic and
responsive wellness approaches to people in need, we shall endeavor to:

  • Uphold the highest moral principles.
  • Pursue the best business ethics and practices.
  • Adhere to the best professional standards.
  • Create welcoming and professional environments in dealing with all people.
  • Adopt Bible-based coherent strategic approach to our core business of ministering to people.
  • Network and collaborate with others like-mind to share resources and encourage one another.

Requirements for Graduation / Certification:

  1. Previous Theological Training required.
  2. Complete all the courses (modules).
  3. Complete the practicum/internship component of the program.
  4. Write a reflection paper after visiting two ministry contexts and a Funeral Home in your community.

Program Instructors:

  • Professor William Kimando
  • Professor Nattalee Solomon-James
  • Dr. Leolene Harris
  • Dr. Ruby Jordan
  • Dr. Jane Kimando

Master of Arts in General Chaplaincy

Courses for this program (60 Credits)

Biblical & Theological Studies Courses:

  1. Hermeneutics: This course focuses on principles and methods of interpreting and understanding biblical texts.
  2. How to read and teach the Bible: This course provides instruction on effectively studying and teaching the Bible.
  3. World Religions: This course explores various religions and their beliefs, practices, and cultural contexts.
  4. Theology of Christianity: This course examines the core beliefs and doctrines of Christianity.
  5. Church History: This course provides an overview of the historical development and major events in Christian history.
  6. Fundamentals of Theology: This course covers the foundational concepts and principles of Christian theology.
  7. Christian Ethics: This course explores ethical principles and dilemmas from a Christian perspective.

Chaplaincy Courses:

  1. Foundations of Chaplaincy: This course introduces the foundational concepts and practices of chaplaincy ministry.
  2. Vision and Leadership of Chaplaincy: This course focuses on developing a vision and effective leadership skills in the context of chaplaincy.
  3. Pastoral Care: Theology of Suffering: This course explores the theological understanding of suffering and equips chaplains to provide pastoral care in times of suffering.
  4. Spiritual Care: This course focuses on providing spiritual support and guidance to individuals in various contexts.
  5. Applied Focus: Personal Ministry Formation: This course helps students develop their personal approach and style in chaplaincy ministry.
  6. Reflection paper: This assignment allows students to reflect on their experiences and learning throughout the program.

Counseling Courses:

  1. Integration of Theology and Psychology: This course explores the integration of psychological theories and principles with theological perspectives in counseling.
  2. Crisis and Trauma Counseling: This course provides training in counseling individuals experiencing crisis and trauma.
  3. Cross-Cultural Counseling: This course focuses on developing cultural competency and effective counseling skills in diverse cultural contexts.
  4. Ethical and Legal Issues for Counselors: This course examines the ethical and legal considerations relevant to counseling practice.
  5. Final Paper: This assignment allows students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate their understanding of counseling principles.

These courses cover a range of topics, including biblical interpretation, theological foundations, chaplaincy principles, and counseling skills. By completing this program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as chaplains and provide spiritual care and counseling to individuals in various contexts.

Master of Arts in Healthcare Chaplaincy

Courses for this program (60 credits)

  1. Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry: This course provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of a chaplain in various settings.
  2. World Religions: This course explores different religions and promotes an understanding of religious diversity and interfaith dialogue.
  3. Survey of the History of Christianity: This course provides an overview of the history of Christianity, including major events, figures, and theological developments.
  4. Development of the Chaplain: This course focuses on the historical development and evolution of the chaplaincy profession.
  5. Chaplain Ethics for Advisement and Pastoral Care: This course addresses ethical considerations and dilemmas that chaplains may encounter in their work.
  6. Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship: This course explores approaches to evangelism and discipleship within the context of chaplaincy ministry.
  7. Intercultural Communication: This course helps chaplains develop effective communication skills when working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  8. Preparation of the Sermon: This course covers the principles and techniques of sermon preparation and delivery.
  9. Biblical Foundations of Leadership: This course examines biblical teachings and principles related to leadership in a religious context.
  10. New Testament Survey I and II: These courses provide an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the New Testament.
  11. Hermeneutics: This course focuses on principles and methods of interpreting biblical texts.
  12. Old Testament Survey I and II: These courses provide an in-depth study of the books, themes, and teachings of the Old Testament.
  13. Introduction to Pastoral Counseling: This course introduces the foundational concepts and skills of pastoral counseling.
  14. Premarital and Marital Counseling: This course focuses on counseling couples before and during marriage, addressing common issues and providing guidance.
  15. Research, Writing, and Ministry Preparation: This course helps students develop research and writing skills necessary for ministry-related projects and preparation.
  16. Systematic Theology I and II: These courses explore the major doctrines and theological principles of Christianity.
  17. Chaplain Resilient Leaders: This course focuses on building resilience and emotional well-being in the chaplaincy profession.
  18. Healthcare Chaplaincy: This course provides specialized training in providing spiritual care in healthcare settings.
  19. Electives: Students are required to complete 24 credits of elective courses, which can be chosen based on their specific interests or career goals.
  20. Mentoring for Clinical Pastoral Education Units I-IV: These mentoring programs provide supervision and guidance during the clinical pastoral education units.
  21. Chaplaincy Internship: This practical experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real chaplaincy setting.
  22. Clinical Pastoral Education I-IV: These clinical education units provide hands-on experience and supervision in pastoral care.
  23. PTSD and Combat-Related Trauma: This course focuses on understanding and addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals dealing with trauma.
  24. Trauma Assessment and Interventions: This course covers various assessment tools and intervention techniques for working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
  25. Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Counseling: This course provides training in crisis intervention skills and strategies within the context of pastoral counseling.
  26. Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling: This course explores different theoretical approaches and counseling techniques used in pastoral counseling.

Graduation Requirements:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program.
  • Complete all required courses and electives within 10 years.
  • Submit a Degree Completion Application in the last semester before the anticipated graduation date.

These requirements ensure that students have a well-rounded education in chaplaincy ministry and are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve in various pastoral and counseling roles.

Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy

This course specifically addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of chaplaincy within the context of sports.

Courses in this program (36 Credits)

  1. Pluralism and World Religions: This course explores the diversity of world religions and promotes an understanding of religious pluralism.
  2. Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship: This course focuses on the role of a chaplain in sharing the message of faith and discipling individuals in their spiritual journey.
  3. Hermeneutics: This course examines principles and methods of interpreting and understanding biblical texts.
  4. Systematic Theology I: This course provides an in-depth study of the foundational doctrines and beliefs of Christianity.
  5. Systematic Theology II: This course further explores key theological concepts and doctrines within the Christian faith.
  6. Biblical Theology: This course examines the overarching themes and theological message of the Bible.
  7. Foundations of Expository Teaching and Preaching: This course equips students with the skills and techniques necessary for effective teaching and preaching of biblical texts.
  8. Introduction to Pastoral Counseling: This course introduces students to the principles and practices of pastoral counseling, focusing on providing care and support to individuals in a pastoral context.
  9. Premarital and Marital Counseling: This course addresses the specific needs and challenges of couples, equipping students to provide counseling and guidance for premarital and marital relationships.
  10. Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry: This course provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of a chaplain in various settings.
  11. Spiritual and Professional Development of the Chaplain: This course focuses on the personal and professional growth of chaplains, helping them develop their spiritual lives and enhance their skills as chaplains.
  12. Chaplain Ethics for Advisement and Pastoral Care: This course explores ethical considerations and dilemmas that chaplains may encounter in their advisory and pastoral care roles.
  13. Sports Chaplaincy: This course specifically addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of chaplaincy within the context of sports.
  14. Theology and Philosophy of Sports Ministry: This course offers a theological and philosophical framework for understanding sports and sports ministry within churches and other settings. It explores the historical antecedents of sports ministry and examines contemporary themes in this field. Students will develop a theology of sports as a cultural discourse, allowing them to engage with sports ministry in a thoughtful and informed manner.
  15. Integration of Faith and Sports: Building upon the foundational knowledge from theology and philosophy of sport ministry, this course encourages sportspersons and ministers to reimagine their thinking, engagement, and practice of sports. It critically examines how Christians can understand and navigate the culture of sports. Through lectures and a sports laboratory, students will simulate various challenges and dilemmas faced by sportspersons in competition, facilitating a deeper understanding of the intersection between faith and sports.
  16. Theological Ethics of Sports: In this course, students will develop Christian moral reasoning skills in relation to sports. The focus is on theological and ethical reflections and moral deliberations specific to sports. Students will explore selected moral issues that arise in the context of sports and develop a deeper understanding of how faith can shape ethical decision-making in this domain.
  17. Theological Ethics of Chaplaincy: This course delves into Christian moral reasoning related to chaplaincy ministry in diverse institutional contexts, including healthcare, military, prison, and sports. Drawing on the Christian Scripture tradition, students will interpret particular situations and construct moral norms to guide chaplains in their care and concern for the well-being of others.
  18. Soul Care in Sports: This course focuses on models of holistic care and personal development for individuals involved in sports. Students will learn how to address the social, emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of flourishing unique to sportspersons and sports culture. They will develop skills to provide effective soul care to individuals in the sports community.
  19. Studies in Sports Culture: This course offers an in-depth exploration of a selected topic related to the study of sports and ministry. The specific content may vary, allowing students to delve into areas of interest within the broader field of sports culture and ministry. Students can take this course multiple times, as long as the content differs, for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  20. Overall, these courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sports ministry, exploring its theological, philosophical, ethical, and cultural dimensions. They equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to engage in meaningful sports ministry and promote the integration of faith and sports.

Graduation Requirements:

  • Completion of a total of 36 credit hours.
  • Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program.
  • Completion of all required courses within a maximum period of 5 years.
  • Submission of a Degree Completion Application in the last semester before the anticipated graduation date.

These requirements ensure that students receive comprehensive training in chaplaincy ministry, pastoral counseling, and theological studies, preparing them for effective service in their chosen field.