The Heart of a Chaplain: Exploring Essentials for Ministry

by Jim Browning, Jim Spivey

Chaplains go where others will not or cannot go. As culture changes and becomes more secular, chaplains have become society’s new “pastors.” Chaplains fulfill a sacred calling to accompany and provide professional support and spiritual nurture for everyone in their distinctive secular communities, which authorize and hold them accountable. A chaplain’s ministry requires specialized knowledge, competencies, and an understanding of its unique opportunities and challenges. With forty-four contributors, the second edition of The Heart of a Chaplain thoroughly examines what a chaplain is along with the foundations, uniqueness, and professional qualifications of chaplaincy. This book surveys six major chaplain categories, revealing the rich diversity of ministry. In addition to a mentoring tool and an extensive resource section, this second edition adds reflection questions, case studies, and several additional chapters, including a brief survey on the global nature of chaplaincy. The “memorable moments” of chaplains will leave you laughing or crying with joy.

The Heart of a Chaplain is a masterful, comprehensive work that is long overdue. The chaplaincy in all its applications owes a debt of gratitude to the creators and collaborators who made this dream come true.
—Dondi E. Costin, PhD, president of Liberty University Major General, US Air Force; 18th Air Force Chief of Chaplains (Ret.)

568 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Jim Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book numerous times being the general editor of the forty-four contributors. Note this is a SECOND EDITION` of The Heart of a Chaplain. With the second edition, we fine-tuned or changed several existing chapters, and added twenty-five percent new information consisting of 132 reflection questions, 34 case studies, and nine new chapters or sections. These new sections cover The Global Nature of Chaplaincy, The Marginal and Liminal Nature of Chaplaincy, Stamina for the Long Haul, The Chaplain as a Moral Guide, The Role of Religion in the United States Armed Forces, Dementia Chaplaincy, Juvenile Chaplaincy, Independent School Education Chaplaincy, and Neighborhood Chaplaincy. While the first edition was well received, we believe this second edition will be an even better resource for those who are deepening their understanding of the diversity of chaplaincy. Dr Spivey and I are excited to offer this second edition to you and we are grateful for the seasoned chaplains who contributed to this incredible volume.

[Tiffanie Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the many roles chaplains play in society. I’m proud to be a Board Certified Palliative Care Hospital Chaplain but also intrigued by other ways I could apply my passion, my calling and my skills.

[stacimaga0628 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I don't like is the DEIs concept in this book. I don't want to make a compromise with my faith and practices, which is to claim the gender identity like most Christians and non-Christians do.

[Chukwuemeka Abaribe]

Quite a good, educative and hands-on tool for Chaplaincy ministry

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great info, quality of parts will vary. Very very useful.