Noted sociologist Christian Smith’s recent book presents research trying to make sense of, as the title states: Why Religion Went Obsolete. For the past several years, numbers have shown a steady decline in attendance and adherence to traditional, organized religion – a phenomenon usually referred to as the rise of the “nones.” Evidence of the corresponding, institutional collateral damage in Christianity is all around: shuttered seminaries, shrinking churches, and evaporating resources. Change has come fast and furious. 

Those called to the work of chaplaincy have not been unaffected. This session explores how providing spiritual care in this religious landscape is like trying to survive in a zombie apocalypse. Communities are becoming more diverse, making it more common for chaplains to encounter patients from religious traditions that may be new or unfamiliar. Furthermore, while bits and pieces of religious familiarity may remain, patients often lack a spiritual worldview that fits neatly into one of the traditional world religions.

Special Guest: Adam Metz

The presentation will explore how chaplains can offer meaningful, biblically grounded presence in the midst of crisis, medical complexity and end-of-life decisions. I’ll be sharing from real-world experiences in the ED, ICU, and oncology settings, highlighting how chaplains can help facilitate goals-of-care conversations with spiritual insight and compassion.

Special Guest: Matthew Dowling

In this session, we'll be discussing healthcare chaplaincy in rural settings. We'll be paying special attention to the spiritual and emotional struggles associated with some of the most common admission diagnoses in rural and critical-access hospitals. We will also discuss best practices for spiritual care to patients while they are with us, including how that care can extend beyond the hospital walls.

Special Guest: Benjamin Wiles

In this session, we'll be discussing healthcare chaplaincy in rural settings. We'll be paying special attention to the spiritual and emotional struggles associated with some of the most common admission diagnoses in rural and critical-access hospitals. We will also discuss best practices for spiritual care to patients while they are with us, including how that care can extend beyond the hospital walls.

Special Guest: Benjamin Wiles

One of the most unique parts of chaplaincy work is the opportunity to meet a racially, culturally, and spiritually diverse community in a hospital setting. With this opportunity also comes the challenge of demonstrating Jesus’ love with individuals who believe different things yet still need spiritual and emotional support. Interfaith is respecting racial and spiritual differences yet providing compassionate care without surrendering our pastoral authority. This class will provide tools that can equip a chaplain or chaplain student to be effective in spiritually complex environments.

Special Guest: Dwayne Lee

Research suggests that aligning spiritual care initiatives with organizational goals can positively impact holistic care for all. Through spiritual care, chaplains can partner with organizational concerns around burnout, staff retention, fostering resilience, and promoting wellness. The presentation will look at the relationship between spiritual care and organizational goals and highlight recent initiatives from Mission & Ministry at Hendrick Health.

Special Guests: Wesley Erickson and Lindsey Guerrero

Within the world of spiritual care, we are invited to listen to stories throughout our encounters and visits. We use mirroring, empathy, and wondering statements (among other strategies) to navigate those stories and give meaning. Perhaps, though, there is wisdom in thinking about listening to stories through the lens of storytelling, as we would when we read a book with story arcs, beginnings, endings, and all that good wisdom. How can we use this as a way to help patients, families, and staff think about their stories and make meaning of them? Come and explore the gifts of narrative theory and storytelling strategy! But just as importantly, we will also explore how the chaplain, the bearer of those stories, becomes the storyteller and a character in their own story.

Special Guest: James Denham

How does a police chaplain partner with law enforcement officers to serve people in crisis? And what about today’s police officers? What are chaplains contributing to their spiritual and emotional health? Welcome to ministry in the world of law enforcement!

Special Guest: John Knox

This session focuses on the integration and application of practical theology with pastoral care in multiple settings. The Created Space model aims to offer an approach to a range of practitioners that is grounded in the resources of faith and develops a deeper understanding and awareness of critical incidents. 

Special Guest: Gabe Fisher

Where do we turn when our world, personal or communal, crashes in on us? Often churches and members seem ill-equipped to respond effectively with those in crisis. Learning to listen well, to withhold unsolicited advice, and to find ways to sojourn with each other is what the Jesus caregiving model provides.

Special Guest: Virgin Fry

The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is charged with ensuring the highest level of spiritual care for our Army’s soldiers and families. The well-being of our Army’s soul determines the quality of its spirit and morale. It is critically important that our Army secures capable, experienced, and spiritually fit religious leaders to answer this sacred call. Join us to learn more about full-time and part-time opportunities as an Army Chaplain.

Special Guest: Walter McCall

In this session, Tamara Thompson and Michele Thompson will present the findings from a recent survey of individuals who have experienced reproductive loss. The goal of this presentation is to increase awareness of those who have experienced pregnancy loss and infertility. Chaplains, ministry leaders and church members will learn how to respond appropriately and sensitively to those who are grieving.

Special Guests: Michele Thompson and Tamara Thompson

During much of our training as spiritual care givers, we learn about interventions that grow our listening skills and give space for engaging in serious explorations about God. However, less attention is given to interventions such as humor, play, and laughter, because they are often thought of as a way to build rapport or as a vehicle to something else. In this session, we will explore overall the theological draw of these interventions, evaluate the benefits and drawbacks, explore possibilities for their use in our pastoral relationships, and identify some ways that we can draw out the inner child of ourselves and those we serve.

Special Guest: James Denham

This teleconference focuses on how to be effective in engaging patients and family members who have dealt with racial trauma. Participants are introduced to critical concepts of how to provide emotional and spiritual support to diverse hospital communities.

Special Guest: Dwayne Lee