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.