Ministry Tasks and Competencies for the Chaplain, Part 6 (Ordained Chaplains: The Work of the Chaplain #14)

Summary: 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.”<br> 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.”<br> In this podcast, we are going through the fine book: “The Work of the Chaplain” by Naomi K. Paget and Janet R. McCormack.<br> Our topic today is: Ministry Tasks and Competencies for the Chaplain (Part 6)<br> — Offering Counsel<br> 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.<br> …<br>