Community Chaplaincy – CHPL 682

Course Description

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

Rationale

Chaplains need to be prepared to minister religiously and effectively in secular and pluralistic environments without compromising their theology and spiritual convictions. Chaplains serving in the workplace, college, sports, first-responder, and prison communities must be prepared to assess complex ministry environments, spiritual opportunities, and challenges. It is important for community chaplains to be able to lead spiritually and minister biblically in the unique setting to which God has called them.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. 
( CLOs: A, B, C, D, E )

Book Critique: The Problem of Pain Assignment

The student will read, "The Problem of Pain" and write a 1400-word (main body) review of the book. This paper will have 3 sections. Each of the 3 sections will use current Turabian format and have various word counts. The student will include a summary of the book, a reflection of the book, and some concrete responses from the book. ( CLOs: A, D, E )

Community Chaplaincy Paper: Topic Selection Assignment

The student will submit a 1-paragraph document that outlines the community-based chaplaincy area he/she will be writing about for the Community Chaplaincy Paper and a preliminary thesis statement. ( CLOs: B, C, D, E, F )

Biblical Rationale for Chaplaincy Paper Assignment

The student will write a 1200–1500-word (main body) research-based paper in current Turabian format that focuses on a biblical rationale for a community chaplaincy ministry. The paper must include at least 8 references (Professional Journals, Professional Magazines, and books) in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. This assignment will explore what aspects of Scripture should guide the ministry of a community chaplain. The paper will include an analysis of how the chaplain should minister in a multi-cultural and pluralistic setting yet maintain a strong commitment to the chaplain’s faith and biblical view. ( CLOs: B, C, D, E, F )

Case Study Assignment

From a list of case studies provided, the student will choose 1 study and will write a 900–1200-word paper detailing his/her response to the study. The paper must include at least 5 references. In addition, the student must include a biblical response to the Case Study and provide an understanding of the case in the context as a community chaplain. This paper needs to be well-thought-out and well written to ensure a full understanding of stated issues as well as any issues that might not be stated. (CLOs: A, C, E)

Community Chaplaincy Paper: Final Submission Assignment

The student will choose a field of community chaplaincy and create a 3000–3600-word ministry plan for the area of chaplaincy. This paper must have at least 10 references in addition to the course textbooks and other required readings for this course. These references can include professional journals and related books. This ministry plan must include the nature of the student’s calling to chaplaincy or ministry, gifts and abilities, personal values, and what energizes him/her in ministry.
( CLOs: B, C, D, E, F )