CHPL 500 Introduction to Chaplaincy Ministry

Examines the theological and cultural issues of a formal and informal ministry setting. Explores the similarities and differences among the various types of chaplaincies. Gives attention to ministry in religiously pluralistic, multicultural and multi-staff environments. Emphasizes skills, strategies and character traits necessary for effective ministry.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

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This course is designed to help students understand the biblical nature of chaplaincy, comprehend the various types of chaplaincy ministry professions, explain the historical development of the chaplaincy from the early biblical days to today’s chaplaincy, understand the legal foundations of chaplaincy, illustrate the key roles of chaplains, and appraise key issues surrounding the chaplain ministry today. The study is correlated to the cultural and historical events in the chaplaincy in order to give students the tools to use and explain the role of the chaplain.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The student is required to provide a thread in response to provided prompts for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least 1 scholarly source. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 1 scholarly source. These replies will act as our classroom discussion. Good online netiquette is required. (CLOs: A, D, E, F)

Student will write a 5-page paper analyzing how the chaplain is to glorify God by bearing Christ’s image and message to others, so that they can enjoy a holy and loving relationship with God and one another. Prior to writing, the student will research the ministry of Jesus in the assigned Gospel, considering parallels between Jesus’ ministry and chaplain ministry. Examples might include comparisons between the incarnational, relational, exemplary, and servant leadership of Jesus and chaplains. The paper must be accomplished in Turabian footnote citation style. (CLOs: B, F)

The student will write a 5-page paper explaining the various types of chaplain ministry. This assignment is designed to prepare the student to select one particular chaplaincy discipline on which to focus for the remainder of the research paper. The paper must be accomplished in Turabian footnote citation style. (CLO: A)

The student will write a 5-page report following a chaplain interview. Students will interview a chaplain currently serving in the particular chaplain discipline chosen following Research Paper Part 2. The paper must be accomplished in Turabian footnote citation style. (CLOs: C, D, E)

Students will write a 5-page critical evaluation of one of the options under Required Resources (the texts marked with an asterisk), consisting of a summary and critique. The summary must focus on the main ideas and significant themes in the book, as well as an account of the author’s overall purpose in writing. The critique section must contain a well-thought-out critical interaction with the author’s thesis and the main points of the argument he presents in the book. The critique must present the strengths and weaknesses as well as an overall evaluation of the book. The paper must be accomplished in Turabian footnote citation style. (CLOs: A, D, E)

The student will write an 8-10-page research paper. The paper will analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the chaplaincy discipline chosen. Information gleaned in the previous 4 papers will be utilized in writing and must be properly annotated in footnotes. The paper must be accomplished in Turabian footnote citation style. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F) 

Quizzes (3)

The first quiz will deal with the history of chaplaincy from 27BC – 1600AD.

The second quiz will deal with the history of chaplaincy from 1601-1950.

The third quiz will deal with the legality of chaplaincy in pluralistic settings.

The first and third quizzes will be 1 hour each and be composed of 25 multiple-choice questions. Students must take the quiz during the allotted time. This is an open book, open note, internet usable quiz. (CLOs: B, C, D, E, F)

The second will be 2 hours and be composed of 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions. Students must take the test during the allotted time. This is an open book, open note, internet usable quiz. (CLOs: B, C, D, E, F)


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