Kate Bradford
With similarities to crossing roads, any discussion concerning evangelical chaplaincy must look both ways – that is towards each of opposite ends of a continuum. The continuum is Pastoral Theology with theological/biblical foundations and traditions at one end and the particular practical issues with which the discipline of pastoral care engages at the other end. Each direction presents immediate frames of reference, which need to be consulted on their own terms before any integration is possible.
For a chaplain, to neglect to look in one or other direction will lead inevitably to an imbalance in ministry. Either, relying too heavily on theoretical theology and/or parish based ministry models; or conversely drawing too heavily on practical considerations that are deeply engaged with social and psychological theory but conceivably lack a biblical basis. The continuum of chaplaincy ministry moves between the aims of communicating theological truths at one end and compassionate care at the other end.
To have as a stated aim to communicate theological truths is a contextually appropriate aim to have within a theological college or a parish ministry settings . In these contexts the message and the space are both ‘owned’ by the minister: examples of ministries of this kind are teaching, preaching and event evangelism. Students and congregation members have ‘freely’ placed themselves under the authority of these ministries which in turn provide boundaries and set limits around this ministry. Chapel services and other formal services such as funeral, baptism and marriage services also follow this model. Most chaplaincy ministry, however, does not happen in the context of formal church services. Chaplaincy happens when the chaplain is a guest in somebody else’s space. As a guest the chaplain owns neither, the message, nor the space yet they extend hospitality.
This ‘guest’ status can present a tension for the chaplain as they struggle to find balance. Out of deference to the other’s space, and suffering, the chaplain may listen empathically yet feel quite disempowered, wondering where faith fits into their ministry. Timothy Morgan, writing in Christianity Today, captures the chaplain’s tension of living in two spaces, quoting Jan McCormack who created Denver Seminary’s program for professional-level training for chaplains:
Understanding the differences between a church-based pastorate and a work-based chaplaincy can be difficult. "Chaplaincy is really doing [ministry] work in somebody else's workplace. In … chaplaincy, you are at their job site." McCormack said creative tension is key to understanding the chaplain's role. "The tension that you [the chaplain] have to be able to live with well and with integrity is to represent to that institution and to that individual your own faith background, without any apology or compromise.
"Most of us want to remove tension, not live in tension," she said. "But to be a successful chaplain, you have to live in that in-between space. It's difficult, but an incredible opportunity.”[1]
"Most of us want to remove tension, not live in tension," she said. "But to be a successful chaplain, you have to live in that in-between space. It's difficult, but an incredible opportunity.”[1]
The challenge for a chaplain is ministering in the in-between space, in that they visit and offer hospitality. A space is offered and opened and invited the other into to explore deep spiritual issues without the message being controlled. Rather than directing the conversation the evangelical chaplain responds to questions that draw on the wisdom of their own Biblical tradition. An integrated Pastoral Theology allows care and a pastoral encounter to happen far from a formal religious meeting or space, by looking both ways, balancing both theology and pastoral practice.
[1] The Chaplain’s Tension, Timothy C. Morgan http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/august/16.7.html accessed 24/3/2012
