Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide

by Alan T. Baker

An approachable overview of the nature, purpose, and functional roles of chaplaincy   Chaplaincy is unlike any other kind of ministry. It involves working outside a church, without a congregation, usually in a secular organization. It requires ministering to those with starkly different religious convictions, many of whom may never enter a house of worship. It is, as Alan Baker writes, “ministry in motion.” Those who are embarking upon this unique and specialized call deserve equally unique and specialized guidance, and  Foundations of Chaplaincy  offers exactly that.  Baker surveys the biblical and theological foundations of chaplaincy before enumerating four specific responsibilities and skills that define chaplaincy’s “ministry of presence”: providing, facilitating, caring, and advising. Baker’s thorough guidance on these matters is supplemented in sidebars with practical advice and anecdotes from over thirty chaplains currently serving in a variety of settings and organizations.  Chaplains who serve in healthcare, the military, correctional institutions, police and fire departments, sports teams, college campuses, and corporations have essential roles to play in their respective organizations, but theirs is rarely an easy calling. With  Foundations of Chaplaincy  as an introduction and an ongoing reference, those called to this important vocation may be assured of having the tools they need to cultivate a strong, mission-driven pastoral identity rooted in their own theological tradition while simultaneously participating in a multi-faith team.

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2021

Reviews

[Brent Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a Navy Chaplain, serving 24 years active and reserve, and I have no regerts (sic). I only wish blues beer had written this book in 1994 when I started active duty. I could have avoided some blunders I made. Maybe, I was a blunderful guy.

Chaplain Blues Baker was my class officer when I attended the Naval Chaplains Basic Course, my detailer in 1998, and was the Chaplain of The USMC when I was serving with the FMF, so I ran into him from time to time, and he was the consummate chaplain. That comes through in this book.

There have been very few text books written about Chaplaincy. This is one of the best, and any minister in any ministry will benefit by reading this book.

[John Coker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through years of pastoral ministry, I have been blessed to serve with retired military chaplains, along with those in active duty. These persons have been amazing partners in the life and witness of local congregations. It is obvious that Alan Baker’s book, Foundations of Chaplaincy, would have been a very helpful resource for all of us involved in these relationships. With great wisdom, Admiral Baker provides insight into the chaplaincy and ministry. I am encouraging chaplains to read Foundations of Chaplaincy, along with lay leaders of local parishes, especially those in military communities. I thank Alan Baker for his distinguished service in the chaplaincy, and for sharing his knowledge of this critical and influential area of ministry. I am sure that the men and women who have embraced this call will greatly benefit from the counsel found in Foundations of Chaplaincy.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Foundations of Chaplaincy: A Practical Guide” is the perfect title for this book. Alan Baker provides such important information and practical advice and the quotes from various chaplains throughout the book are so valuable. If you read through the book, make sure to read through the appendices as well. They act as a sort of guide if you ask the question, “What now?” This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in chaplaincy.

[Rob Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Overview

The book is a practical guide to what is required from a chaplain. The author provides ample first hand examples from a variety of chaplains (hospital, military, work etc.). I found the author provided an excellent overview of a chaplain’s duties. This book is a great read for anyone wanting to know what is involved in being a chaplain. I highly recommend it.

[Caleb McCary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. Every person considering the chaplaincy needs to read this and keep the book close at hand. Chaplains in supervisory positions should make this required reading for the chaplains they supervise. This book is practical, accessible, and full of real life examples to drive home the content. Highest recommendation.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, practical information about all the ins and outs of chaplaincy. This will certainly prove to be a helpful resource as I start wading in the waters of military ministry. My only complaint is that the book is rather theologically liberal, but still not as bad as "The Work of the Chaplain" (despite refrencing it many times).

[Mike Dugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

Chaplain Baker has taken the foundational issues of serving as a chaplain and brought them to the light of anyone desiring or preparing for the chaplaincy. I am using this book as a text book for our chaplain classes. It really is a MUST read for anyone preparing to be or already serving as a chaplain.

[Rob Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entering into the Army as a chaplain this book is an exceptional help to the early stages of military chaplaincy! Chapter 6 - “Bringing it all together” is Gold! Thankful to Baker for writing this and it will be one I visit again for sure!