The Institutional Chaplaincy

The Challenge

The Institutional chaplain is a pastor to people of America displaced from the normal church environment, whether by choice or circumstance. He or she is given an opportunity to nurture men and women of diverse denominational backgrounds in their faith with in a controlled, clearly defined environment. It is also an opportunity to bring those from unchurched backgrounds to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as they face an uncertain future.

Chaplains have a unique opportunity to be a role model of what a real Christian is all about. Their presence at the bedside, in the cell, or on the plant floor reminds everyone of the existence of the invisible God.

The mission of our chaplains is clear—to care for the spiritual well-being of their clients and their families, to provide for the free exercise of religion of all persons, and to offer moral, spiritual, and ethical counsel to the respective staffs that serve these specific populations. Like pastors of any local church, they preach, teach, lead Bible studies, celebrate the sacraments or ordinances by water baptism and serving the elements of communion, offer pastoral care and counseling, provide Christian education and discipleship, perform weddings, minister to the sick, bury the dead and bring comfort to the bereaved.