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.

Click here to read the full article!

——

[Image by SHUTTERSTOCK / THE ATLANTIC ]

Related articles

founder | Karisimbi Partners

Carter started his career as a marketer for technology companies. Inspired by employment at some of the most innovative companies in Seattle (Microsoft, Cranium, Starbucks), he launched his first venture, an online marketplace for wholesale vehicles. Carter has been passionate about starting noble ventures ever since, becoming a leading advocate for the social impact of enterprise. Always seeking to lead by example, his latest startup was Karisimbi Partners, the first world-class consulting firm advising business managers in Rwanda. After guiding ventures in more than 8 industries on three 3 continents, Carter now supports San Diego ventures pursuing something bigger than themselves.

Carter earned a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurial Ethics from Robert Gordon University in Scotland and completed his undergraduate degree at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.

Carter and his wife recently moved ‘home’ to Carlsbad, CA, and have recently plugged into Restoration Abbey church, where Carter can be found following the worship leaders on his mandolin most Sundays. Carter plays soccer with others that used to be good at “the beautiful game” and always has his eyes open to identify birds he has never seen before while hiking or paddling in the great outdoors.

CEO of Foundations for Farming

Craig Deall serves as CEO of Foundations for Farming—an initiative aimed at bringing transformation to individuals, communities and nations through faithful and productive use of land.

Foundations for Farming is based in Zimbabwe, where burning and deep soil inversion are common practice on farms causing terrible sheet erosion to occur, which results in loss of seed and water. Craig and the team at Foundations for Farming are working to encourage local farmers to use more productive and sustainable practices, thus improving productivity and sustainability all throughout the region.

author of First15

Craig Denison is the author of First15, a daily devotional guiding over 600,000 of believers into a fresh experience with God’s presence every day. He writes, speaks, and he and his wife, Rachel lead worship to help believers establish a more tangible, meaningful connection with God. You can check out his work by signing up to receive First15 every morning for free, and by engaging with First15 on social media.

Craig started First15 in 2015, out of a desire to guide believers of all backgrounds into a daily experience with God’s presence. Craig sensed a longing in God’s heart for his people to be about relationship – real, restored relationship with him – that above all else, he simply wanted the hearts of his people.

So Craig started praying, dreaming, and writing. And the idea of helping people spend the first fifteen minutes of their day focusing on nothing else but growing in their relationship with God was born. That if we as a people would worship, read, and pray at the beginning of every day, everything could change for the better.

LINKS

• First15

Entrepreneur & Investor

Cris Zimmermann is an entrepreneur and business owner who has set up more than 20 companies in 5 different countries. He was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany, and currently lives with his wife Andrea and their three teenage sons between Germany and the island of Mallorca, Spain.

Cris built his portfolio in real estate buying apartment complexes, hotels and commercial spaces predominantly in the Rhein Main area of Germany. His passion for ministry lead him to start an urban mission organization.

Cris studied law and theology and is currently pursuing a degree in art history. His love for Italy and the Renaissance has lead him to become an expert on the Medici family and develop a personal & business development company.

founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach (CWR)

Curtis Chang is the founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach (CWR), a team of experts from both corporate and nonprofit backgrounds that uses professional skills to serve social entrepreneurs. Curtis’s own diverse vocational path has included teaching public policy at Harvard, doing development work in Africa, and running a family foundation. Curtis has won a White House award for his work as a social innovator and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of International Service at American University, Washington DC.