Chaplaincy Wellness and Care : Unique Challenges and Opportunities
By Rev . Dr . William Whitmore Mercersburg Academy • Mercersburg , PA
Chaplains are often associated with an institution ’ s approach to wellness and well-being . Like other caring roles , such as counselors or other health professionals , the chaplain is called to serve others and prioritize the well-being of those individuals . However , various elements make chaplaincy unique amongst these roles and , therefore , specific attention is required in regard to the chaplain ’ s own wellness and care . This article will briefly address the unique nature of chaplaincy in educational settings and how this can create challenges for chaplains , before moving to ways in which chaplains can help maintain their well-being despite these difficulties .
The Unique Nature of Chaplaincy
I would like to point out three elements that are unique to chaplaincy that can cause challenges for practitioners relating to wellness . All these components are inherent in the field but can still pose challenges when experienced . First , many independent school chaplains work alone in their institution , meaning that there are not multiple chaplains within a division ( upper , middle , lower ) or at the school . Furthermore , the role of the chaplain is unique within most schools , creating a separation between the individual and others , which can also make professional development or collaborative conversations challenging . While this is to be expected , it can cause the individual serving to feel isolated ; there is no one else with a comparable position with whom to engage .
Page 6 Spring 2023 CSEE Connections