A self‑led course designed to inspire and empower your chaplaincy. Drawing on theology, science, psychology and the lived experience of chaplains, this programme explores the healing ministry of presence, human flourishing, trauma, loss and narrative medicine.
What does it cover?
The course explores Christian approaches to human flourishing in mind, body and spirit. The aim is to help chaplains deepen the support they offer from theological, scientific and practical perspectives. Key topics will include loss and trauma, why storytelling leads to healing and how to feel confident in the unique value of chaplaincy in a multi-disciplinary setting. It also covers vocational discernment and self care for chaplains.
Who is it for?
The course explores Christian approaches to human flourishing in mind, body and spirit. The aim is to Chaplains in any sector or context, either paid or voluntary, experienced chaplains and those new to the work. It is also suitable for anyone involved in pastoral ministry, and those discerning a call to chaplaincy.
“A course that inspires no matter how long you have been serving as a Chaplain.” Rachel
How was this course created?
This course has been both extensively piloted and also improved following the input of hundreds of chaplains. In its conception phase, training needs were identified with significant input from active chaplains supporting people experiencing complex mental and spiritual health challenges, including trauma, suicidal ideation, adverse childhood experiences and homelessness. The course was then designed by GoHealth in consultation with the YMCA drawing on the skills of education professionals, trauma specialists, theologians, scientists and professional filmmakers. The content utilises leading research from a number of academic disciplines including science, medicine and psychology.
How will it be delivered?
The course is an online, self directed course. You can return to it at any time. The course includes, films, prayers, journalling, and personal reflection. Each session includes:
- prayer and meditation practices that support your learning;
- teaching videos to introduce key concepts; and
- reflection prompts for journalling and personal application.
“The Chaplaincy course has lifted my spirits, strengthened my conviction that it is an important ministry, given me confidence, and energised me for the challenges ahead.”
David
More details on the content
- What is Christian Healing?
You begin by exploring the foundations of a pastoral ministry and how the Christian healing ministry is at the heart of the faithful living. Taking seriously both our biblical inheritance and a deep interpretation of the healing miracles, you will explore experience and how this builds into a confident holistic ministry.
- From Healing to Flourishing
What does it mean to flourish in general and what might this mean for Christians in their own healing and in the vocation to bring healing to others? What might the combined wisdom of science and scripture have to say to us about the vital role of connection and community? How can we put all of this into daily practice with a renewed sense purpose?
- Trauma and Loss
With input from Hilary Ison you will be explore the field of trauma and loss, examining the root causes, the science and the spiritual impacts of this experience, before moving on to advice for chaplains engaged with those who have been traumatised.
- Narrative medicine
In this session you will build on our previous learning by looking at the field known as Narrative Medicine. What is it? How does it work? What is the evidence? And crucially, how do we make more use of it in our desire to help those whom Jesus calls us to love?
- Self Care and avoiding burnout
This course challenges the idea that self-care is indulgent, reframing it as a deeply Christian practice rooted in belovedness and vocation. You will examine the science of burnout, the challenges that chaplains face, and look at how to encourage a sustainable practice.
- Discernment
This course will end with a session exploring chaplaincy and discernment, and encourage you to recognise how God may be inviting you to step forward, deepen, rest or simply continue with renewed clarity in your ministry.
“Fresh, challenging thinking on the role of Chaplaincy – highly recommended”
Andrew
Contributors to the course
The Revd. Dr. Gillian Straine
The Revd. Dr. Gillian Straine is passionately committed to health, healing and Christian living. She is a cancer survivor, Anglican priest, theologian and scientist with a strong interest in communication and teaching. She has a doctorate in Physics from Imperial College London and an MA in Theology from the University of Oxford.
The Revd. Hilary Ison
The Revd. Hilary Ison is an ordained Anglican priest, and has experience as a parish priest, hospice chaplain, adviser for women in ministry and member of a Bishop’s senior staff team. She is trained in Organisational Consultancy (Psycho-dynamic Approaches) and in Systems Constellations, a method of exploring traumatic events and difficult personal and organisational issues in individual or group settings.
Explore our work with chaplains
Discover simple ways to begin your journey with GoHealth.
In The Room – Supporting Chaplains to Flourish
A free live conversation exploring how chaplains can flourish in ministry today.
9th June, 12:15 – online
Join The GoHealth Chaplains’ Network
Our hope is simple: that you feel companioned, encouraged and resourced as you continue to be a healing presence amongst the people you meet and in the places you are called.
Listen to this podcast
In this podcast, Clare explores with Gillian the challenges and joys of hospital chaplaincy.
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