The Rise of the Chaplains

Surveys often tell us that the current generation and the ones that follow it are less religious but perhaps more ’spiritual’. At face value, it comes off quite discouraging. Does that mean that our faith is no longer relevant? Quite the contrary. In workplaces especially, there is a resurgence of Chaplains and counselors as employees are seeking a more holistic solution -- and even asking for them as part of their benefits packages. What an exciting time for entrepreneurs and other business leaders to meet them in their needs with a Christ-centered solution!"

Article originally posted here by The Atlantic

THEIR GRANDPARENTS MAY HAVE GONE TO CHURCH. BUT TODAY, MANY AMERICANS TURN ELSEWHERE TO MEET THEIR SPIRITUAL NEEDS

— by Wendy Cadge, Sociology professor at Brandeis University

The pandemic has thrown into sharp relief a shift in American religious life. Growing numbers of Americans, especially under the age of 30, are not religiously affiliated or involved with spiritual or religious organizations. They do not have local religious leaders to call in a crisis like their grandparents did. Instead, in moments of great need, many are turning to chaplains and spiritual-care providers.

Religious congregations have been slowly yet steadily declining over the past 20 years as the number of people engaging with chaplains and spiritual-care providers is on the rise. In a national survey conducted last year, 21 percent of Americans reported having contact with a chaplain in the previous two years, mostly through health-care organizations. Close to a quarter of theological schools have started degree programs for chaplains in the past two decades. And the number of people completing clinical training for chaplaincy positions is increasing.

In interviews I conducted with 65 chaplains across greater Boston, I discovered that the work they do around death is what most unifies them across sectors and distinguishes them from social workers and others they work alongside. It is not surprising, therefore, to read about chaplains running toward death rather than away from it in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

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[Image by SHUTTERSTOCK / THE ATLANTIC ]

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