Our Work of the Chaplain passage for this episode is Colossians 3:12-13 which says, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Our Work of the Chaplain quote for this episode is from John Wesley. He said, “God is the first object of our love: Its next office is, to bear the defects of others. And we should begin the practice of this amidst our own household.”
In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.
Our topic today is: Ministry Tasks and Competencies for the Chaplain (Part 6)
— Offering Counsel
The chaplain is often called upon to be a counselor for employees, clients, employers, and institution. While providing counsel is helpful, the chaplain must clearly understand the difference between being a pastoral (or spiritual) counselor and being a counselor in the therapeutic or clinical sense. Some chaplains are especially gifted or trained in counseling. This is a bonus. However, if the client seems to need more than four to six sessions, a referral is probably in order. Chaplains must maintain a network of good counselors who specialize in many of the frequently needed areas of expertise— marriage, family, and children.
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