The Need ...Due to illness or accident, persons become homebound and require physical and spiritual help. Medical personnel meet the physical needs and the chaplain volunteer ministers to the spiritual needs.

The Target ...The chaplain volunteer ministers to the spiritual and emotional needs of the homebound patient and family.

The Process ... To begin a home health care chaplaincy:

1.      Pray for God's leadership.

2.      Contact the chaplain (if the hospital has one), who will supervise the chaplain volunteer.

3.      If there is no chaplain, contact the home health care director of the institution or the director of the home health care agency.

4.      If the hospital has a chaplaincy department, contact them for training. If there is no chaplaincy department, contact the Church Planning and Revitalization Department of the Florida Baptist Convention for referral.

5.      Discuss the expectations of the chaplain volunteer and the institution or agency, as they relate to the patients and the families.

6. Set the time frame for starting the ministry.

7.      Negotiate a working agreement with the institution or agency.

8.      Chaplain volunteer and home health care director evaluates the ministry annually.

The Ministry…The primary responsibility of the home health care chaplain, as a member of the home health care team, is to minister to the spiritual needs of the patients and the families.

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
The chaplain volunteer represents the presence of God in the midst of life's health crises. His or her presence instills confidence, hope and encouragement.

PRAYER MINISTRY
The patient and family face fears, uncertainties and major decisions, including survival, lifestyle changes, relationship issues and financial uncertainty. The chaplain volunteer intercedes to bring God's promises of presence, comfort, strength and encouragement to their situation.

COUNSELING/RECOVERY
Chaplain volunteers provide a listening ear, a caring heart and a shoulder on which to cry. They express understanding and acceptance of peoples' feelings. They refer individuals to available helping agencies to meet specific needs.

SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES
Occasionally patients and families may request communion, baptism, weddings, or other religious services. The chaplain may perform these services or refer them to other religious leaders.

LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION
The chaplain volunteer provides Bibles, tracts, videos, cassettes, magazines and other religious resources, as requested by the patient or family.

REPORTS
As a member of the home health care team, the chaplain volunteer submits reports to the director of pastoral care or home health care according to departmental policy.

The Reason…Spiritual care enables physical healing. Therefore, the chaplain volunteer's ministry to the patient and family is essential to the healing process. Every home health care team needs a chaplain.

The Need ... The majority of low-income people in Florida reside in multi-housing communities.  Many of these residents often experience problems which include all types of personal and substance abuse, child care, crime, financial management, health care and spiritual need.  The residents need help and hope.  A chaplain meets the need.

The Target ... The chaplain ministers to the residents, Management and staff of the multi-housing community.

 

The Process ... The steps for establishing a chaplaincy ministry

1.      Pray for God’s leadership.

2.      Make an appointment with the facility manager to determine the need.

3.      Meet and discuss the needs.

4.      Share ways a volunteer chaplain meets the needs.

5.      Define the expectations of management and the chaplain.

6.      Follow up the meeting with a letter outlining the expectations.

7.      Recruit a chaplain and secure managements approval..

8.      Plan programs with management to meet the needs..

9.      Secure needed resources.

10.  Set a starting time and begin the ministry.

11.  Meet periodically with management to evaluate the program.

 

The Ministry… Low-income multi-housing presents a challenge to the creativity and resourcefulness of the chaplain.  Possible areas of ministry include the following:

 

COORDINATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
The chaplain assists management with the scheduling and coordination of all religious groups wanting to minister in the multi-housing community.

FAMILY MINISTRIES
Family problems are extensive in low-income multi-housing communities.  The chaplain plans ministries addressing the vital areas of single parenting, latch-key children, substance abuse, domestic violence and financial management.

 

PASTORAL MINISTRIES
The chaplain expresses God’s love for multi-housing residents by personifying Christ through personal ministries like relationship-building, counseling and referral, crisis intervention, Bible study, worship, weddings and funerals.

RECREATIONAL MINISTRIES
Many residents of these communities are children and youth.  The multi-housing manager desires and encourages activities for their young people.  The chaplain organizes and supervises summer recreation programs, day camps, Vacation Bible Schools, Big A Clubs or similar ministries.

 

SOCIAL MINISTRIES
The chaplain may develop programs and involve volunteers on practical ministries to help with crime prevention, food, clothing, health care, and transportation.

The Reason… The low-income multi-housing community offers an open door for chaplaincy ministry.  Most managers recognize the need for a chaplain in their facility and welcome the help. These communities provide opportunities for Christians to become personally involved in carrying out the Great Commission.

 

The Need ... With America “on the move”, mobile home living has become popular among many ages.  Young couples “starting out” and retirees discover mobile homes as an affordable means of home ownership.  Some mobile home communities consist of two thousand mobile homes.  A community of 4000 plus resides ion these locales.  A unique opportunity exists for the work of a volunteer chaplain.

The Target ... The management, employees and residents of a mobile home community experience hurts, fears and needs which can be met through the services of a volunteer chaplain.

 

The Process ... A volunteer chaplaincy ministry may be started by following these ten steps:

1.      Make an appointment with the mobile park manager or president of the mobile home park’s home owners’ association.  Be prompt in keeping the appointment.

2.      Briefly explain the purpose of the volunteer chaplaincy program.  Provide a brochure which gives further explanation.  Point out the interdenominational context of chaplaincy.

3.      Give details on general expectations of the management and expectations of the chaplain.  Share how the chaplain will be an asset to the community (what will the chaplain do).

4.      If the management/president is interested, ask for a second appointment within two weeks to allow him/her time to make a decision.

5.      Upon interest in a volunteer chaplain, seek to secure a person to fill the need from the sponsoring church.

6.      Phone the manager/president three days prior to the second appointment to affirm desire for a volunteer chaplain.  Request permission to bring the potential chaplain to your meeting.

7.      At the second meeting, introduce the volunteer chaplain and come to an agreement on his/her responsibilities.  Set a date for beginning the program.

8.      Request an official letter of recognition of the selected person as volunteer chaplain for the mobile home park.

9.      Write a letter of appreciation to the manager/president as follow-up.

10.  Be sure the volunteer chaplain has made application with the Florida Baptist Convention.

 

The Ministry… Both physical and spiritual needs are met through volunteer chaplaincy program.  Following are some ideas for ministry in the mobile home park through chaplaincy.

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES/BIBLE STUDIES
The service should be non-denominational in nature incorporating hymns, liturgy and sermon.  The members should feel ownership in the service by being allowed to participate and have leadership roles.  A box for an offering may be placed by the door for those wishing too give.  These funds should be given to the sponsoring church to be placed in a designated fund for this ministry.  If possible someone other than the chaplain should collect the money to take to the church.  Do not pass an offering plate as this is a volunteer ministry.

 

COUNSELING SERVICES
The skills of the volunteer chaplain will determine the extent of this ministry.  Provide a listening ear for those having family/marital problems, substance abuse, or experiencing grief will be helpful.  Be prepared to refer those in need of professional help to a good Christian counselor.

 

WEDDING/FUNERAL SERVICES
Often, the mobile home park chaplain is the only minister with whom many residents or employees may have contact.  The volunteer chaplain should be prepared to meet the needs of the engaged and the bereaved.  If the volunteer chaplain is not ordained, the assistance of an ordained minister will be needed to perform weddings.

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
With the assistance of church youth groups or summer missionaries, the volunteer chaplain may plan a Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Club or Day Camp for children of residents.  He may also plan a summer recreation program including clowning, face painting, drama and music.

 

HOSPITALITY
The volunteer chaplain may be available to assist residents in locating needed services in the community such as hospitals, banks, schools, and churches.

 

LATCH KEY WEEKDAY MINISTRIES
With the assistance of church volunteers, the volunteer chaplain may begin an after school program for children of parents who work.  The Latch Key Program assures parents of proper supervision and excellent training for their children.  Park managers appreciate the program because it reduces parental stress, keeps the children occupied after school and improves the services of the park.

 

FOOD AND CLOTHING MINISTRY
If space is available, the volunteer chaplain may lead the residents in the community in establishing their own food/clothing ministry.  The ministry may be for park residents, residents outside the park, seasonal emphases like Thanksgiving and Christmas or to replenish the local food bank.

The Reason… An unchurched society is at our doorstep. Thousands are crammed into small communities such as a mobile home park.  The need exists for the church to go to these people for they will not come to the church.  Jesus said, “Go…” .  The church must heed Christ’s words.  A mobile home park near your church is a good place to start.

The Need ... Tourism ranks as the number one industry in Florida In addition to tourists, business travelers frequent Florida's motels and hotels.  Guests, and the staff who assist them, experience crises which include illness, injuries, alcohol and drug-related problems, grief, emotional difficulties and violence.  They also may face spiritual needs, as well as needs related to finances and transportation.

The Target ... The chaplain ministers to guests, hotel staff and their families.

The Benefits ... Companies which support a career or volunteer chaplain report the following benefits:

1.      Increased guest satisfaction

2.      Reduction in waste and theft

3.      Reduction in absenteeism, labor turnover and accidents.

4.      High rate of rehabilitation for employees with chemical dependency problems, effecting great savings in training new employees.

5.      Improved morale among and between management and employees.

6.      Reduced feelings of depersonalization.

7.      Increased goodwill with the community, which boosts the company image.

 

The Process…The steps for beginning a hotel/motel chaplaincy are:

1.      Pray for God's leadership.

2.      Schedule a meeting with the general manager of the hotel/motel.

3.      Meet and help identify the needs.

4.       Share how the hotel/motel chaplain meets the needs.

5.      Define the expectations of the hotel/motel and the chaplain.

6.      Follow up the meeting with a letter outlining the agreement.

7.      Recruit a chaplain and secure the general manager's approval.

8.      Set a starting time to begin the ministry.

9.      Evaluate with management periodically.

 

The Ministry…Chaplains provide support and spiritual guidance for hotel/motel guests, staff and families through:

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
The chaplain maintains high visibility and availability as he visits the facility regularly to acquaint himself with personal needs.  He respects the employees' work schedules and responsibilities.

COUNSELING
The chaplain provides guidance and confidential counseling for personal, family and job-related problems. They refer those in need of professional help to qualified Christian counselors.

CRISIS SITUATIONS
The chaplain assists guests, staff and families in crisis situations such as threat of suicide, death, violence or serious injury or illness.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES
The chaplain conducts religious services and Bible studies, leads in prayer in meetings and ceremonies, helps secure religious materials, and refers people to religious services of their specific faith group. Occasionally, new churches can start in hotel/motel facilities. The chaplain serves as a liaison between management and these new churches.

REFERRAL SERVICES
The chaplain maintains an updated list of service providers to whom they refer guests, staff and families. This list includes counselors, mechanics, doctors, dentists, medical facilities and consumer credit/financial counselors.

WEDDINGS/FUNERALS
Couples often choose hotels/motels for their wedding. The chaplain conducts weddings as requested. Occasionally, management, staff or guests ask the chaplain to conduct funerals for family members or loved ones. Sometimes management requests the chaplain to represent them at such events.

SPECIAL EVENTS
The chaplain participates in birthday and anniversary celebrations, awards ceremonies and employee training.

The Reason…The hotel/motel setting offers the chaplain a unique opportunity to meet needs through ministry.

The Need...The average life expectancy of an American is 75-80 years.  The age continues to increase as medical technology discovers more cures and people take better care of themselves.  Some people are outliving spouses and children.  Nursing home care is a growing and thriving industry. In this setting, the need for a chaplain is a natural. 

The Target ... The administration, employees and residents, and   A volunteer chaplain will help meet these needs.

The Process ... A bridge between the local church and the senior adult care facility can be established through a nursing home chaplain.  The steps for implementing this ministry are as follows:

1.      Schedule a meeting with the administrator of the nursing home.

2.      Determine what needs are not presently being met.

3.      Plan with the administrator the programs which a chaplain could implement.

4.      Recruit a chaplain and volunteers for the programs selected.

5.      Set a starting time for the chaplaincy ministry..

6.      Follow up the meeting with a letter outlining what was agreed upon.

7.      Implement the ministry.

8.      Evaluate every six months.

 

The Ministry…A variety of ministries may be implemented in the nursing home setting.  The most obvious are visitation and counseling.  Several other ideas are offered here which go beyond these important services.
 

WORSHIP SERVICES
The chaplain may be responsible for leading a weekly Protestant service or for recruiting area churches to lead service.  These worship experiences are usually traditional in nature lasting thirty or forty-five minutes.  The worship time should be scheduled to fit into the facilities calendar of events which will most likely not be at 11:00 a.m.  The chaplain will need to promote the service encouraging residents and staff to attend.

FUNERAL SERVICES
The nursing home may depend upon the chaplain to notify the family upon the death of a resident.  In this event the chaplain should offer to assist the family in contacting their pastor and the funeral home.  If the family does not have a pastor, then the chaplain may be asked to officiate at the funeral service.  The chaplain must be sensitive to the background and needs of the family.

EMERGENCY SERVICES
When an emergency arises in the life of a staff member or resident, the chaplain may be the only one to whom to turn.  Be prepared to meet any crisis with a caring spirit and an open heart.  Persons at the facility must never feel their need is an inconvenience to the chaplain.  Do not offer this service unless prepared to give the necessary help.

TAPE LIBRARY
The chaplain in an Audio Library collecting sermons donated from local churches, the Bible on tape, and Christian books on tape.  Local churches may contribute to this ministry.  Residents’ families may also wish to donate funds.  The chaplain must keep the library in order.  Investment in a few tape players for loan would also be helpful.  A tape library will bring company and comfort to many lonely lives.

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
Youthful faces always bring a smile to the elderly.  The chaplain can enlist children or youth groups from several local churches to adopt a grandparent. The “grandchild” should visit occasionally and send cards on special occasions.  Encourage the young person to give their “grandparent” something she/he has made.  Target those residents who have no family or visitors.  The chaplain must monitor the program so that a child who loses interest may be replaced by someone else.

BIRTHDAYS/SPECIAL DAYS
The chaplain may be responsible for planning monthly birthday or holiday parties.  Choirs, drama teams and puppet teams may be enlisted from area churches to provide entertainment.  Be sure all residents who come leave with a gift or prize.

CLASSES FOR RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES
Those residing in a nursing home have special needs as do their families.  A chaplain may plan classes to address those needs.  Some examples are: Death & Dying; Letting Go; Changing Roles of Child & Parent; Finances; Self-Esteem.  The chaplain may lead in those areas of his expertise, but should recruit experts in these fields to lead the sessions.  A survey may be taken of the families to determine the type of classes to offer.  The staff can also assist with ideas.  All classes should be free of charge.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
Placing a parent in a nursing home facility is a difficult time for most children.  They are confronted with feelings of guilt, helplessness, inadequacy and fear.  Knowing others share similar feelings will help these family members deal with their aging parent.  The chaplain should schedule these support sessions in conjunction with the administration.  The session may be held at the nursing home or a nearby church (within a few blocks).

 

The Reason…The elderly are often left to the care of strangers A nursing home chaplain can build bridges of friendship from resident to staff to family to community.  In a setting of sterile walls and steel beds, a chaplain can bring an air of hope, care and love.  Jesus said, “What you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.”

The Target ... Chaplain Volunteers minister to persons overwhelmed or depressed by the physical, spiritual or mental effects of loss.

The Process ... The steps for establishing a bereavement care chaplaincy are:

 

The Need ... Much of our nation's cargo is transported by truckers

Numerous truckstops have been established where these truckers can stop, eat, refuel, and rest for a while.  Truckers are people with frustrations, loneliness, boredom, marriage and family problems.  They need someone to care - a volunteer chaplain..

 

The Target ... Truckers and their families, truckstop management,

and employees are the primary targets.  Transient and stranded travelers frequent the truckstop and need assistance.  A volunteer chaplain cares and meets the needs.

 

The Process ... How do you start a truckstop  chaplaincy ministry?

1.      Pray for God's leadership.

2.      Schedule a meeting with the manager of the truckstop.

3.      Meet and discuss needs of truckers and management..

4.      Share ways a volunteer chaplain meets the needs.

5.      Plan programs with management which a chaplain could implement.

6.      Follow up the meeting with a letter outlining what was agreed upon.

7.      Recruit a chaplain and secure management approval.

8.      Set a starting time and begin the ministry.

9.      Evaluate with management periodically.

The Ministry…Truckers experience schedules which keep them

On the road and away from family and traditional support systems. Their companion is a CB radio and/or a truckstop "buddy."  A volunteer chaplain becomes a new "buddy" who cares.

 

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
A chaplain visits the truckstop periodically, without disrupting work schedules, to develop friendships, build relationships, determine and respond to personal need, and provide a non-judgmental listening ear.  He visits the restaurant, the store, the maintenance shop, the driver's room and the rigs.  Moving among the truckers and the truckstop employees is vital to a successful ministry because the chaplain represents the spiritual presence of God.

 

COUNSELING SERVICES
Chaplains provide guidance and brier, confidential counseling for personal, family, and job-related problems.  They refer those in need of professional help to good Christian counselors.

 

RESOURCES AND LITERATURE
The chaplain provides Bibles, religious pamphlets, tracts, audio tapes, and resources to help with personal, marriage and family needs, as requested.

 

REFERRAL SERVICES
Chaplains maintain an updated list of spiritual and social service providers, to whom they refer truckers.

 

WORSHIP SERVICES/BIBLE STUDY
Some truckstops have chapels or designated  areas for worship.  The chaplain cooperates with truckstop management in conducting worship services and/or Bible studies.

 

WEDDINGS/FUNERALS
Often the chaplain is the only minister with whom the truckers or truckstop employees may have contact.  The volunteer chaplain may conduct weddings or funerals as requested.  If the volunteer chaplain is not ordained, the assistance of an ordained minister will be needed to perform weddings.

 

The Reason…A trucker or a truckstop employee needs a friend

and someone to care.  Jesus said, "Go out into the highways…"  The chaplain goes to share God's love with a segment of society which often is misunderstood and rejected.