Purpose and Goals

• To place committed men and women in chaplaincy service in hospitals, nursing homes, crisis intervention centers, CPE programs, hospice and other clinical ministries.
• To support these chaplains with training so they may faithfully integrate their Pentecostal faith and practice with the very best professional, clinical care.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited college and seminary.
• Ministry experience in a clinical setting, such as Clinical Pastoral Education or some other appropriate training model.
• Commitment to his/her denomination.

Candidates for Clinical/hospital chaplaincy are encouraged to consider the Church of God Theological Seminary's special chaplaincy training programs. The training is offered in cooperation with CPE programs, local hospital chaplains' associations and other clinical programs/settings. Today, there are Church of God chaplains serving in general hospitals, psychiatric facilities and other medical centers. 

For Chaplains and Volunteers

The following subjects are offered to hospitals, clinics and medical centers for basic and advanced training for Hospital Chaplains, Volunteers and Pastoral Care Trainees. The classes can be taught as a block module or individually, as needed. Total class time required is a minimum of twelve (12) classroom hours.

• Code of Ethics
• Orientation to Hospital Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services
• Overview of Hospital and Clinical Chaplaincy
• Basic Principles of Hospital Visitation
• The Biblical Theological Understanding of the Human Predicament
• Responsibilities and Liabilities of the Volunteer Staff
• Understanding Hospital Social Services
• GRIEF: A Crucial Part of Patient Recovery

Testimonies

• Clinical Chaplain Kathryn Schuck, Lanett, Alabama, gives this inspiring report: "Joe and I have been dealing with a patient who had terminal colon cancer. It is a long and tragic story of one who was not only dying, but felt that they were 'fighting demons and was unsaved'. We prayed endlessly for her, right up to the day of her death. At one time she sat up in her bed and screamed out, 'Dear God, help me, I am not even a Christian.' The opportunity was given, and I was privileged to lead her to Christ. What a blessing of being a chaplain, to witness 'God's timing and His deliverance'. On another chaplaincy note, I was privileged to assist the Alabama Fire Department in giving away 100 bike helmets and free bike inspections. Also, I have been working with a young man who has been in and out of the courts, and just a few days ago, we managed to get him admitted to the Peniel Ministries drug rehabilitation program. The upside of this story is that we also met the young lady that was connected to this young man. She has been admitted to Teen Challenge. Please pray for her. Through her ordeal, among other things, she has lost custody of her two sons, ages 6 and 8. However, the good news is that she has now accepted Christ."
• Susan Harper, a Master's level, certified nurse, with seminary training, serves as a Hospice chaplain to a large county area. She is given the opportunity to work with the terminally ill and dying. In her visits to give medical care, she serves as spiritual guide with individuals and family members as they meet the greatest crisis of their lives.
• Several Church of God chaplains are also CPE supervisors. Through Clinical Pastoral Education, they have been able to integrate their Pentecostal faith with the very best clinical training.
• Long term hospital chaplain and CPE Supervisor Keith Mundford testifies, "one of my most significant responsibilities as a hospital chaplain is to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. During the crisis of medical service tragedies, staff members feel the deep pain and loss and turn to the chaplain for help."
• Hundreds of Church of God ministers around the world serve as hospital Community Service Chaplains, whereby, they are given the opportunity to work with full-time chaplains in bringing the very best spiritual care to patients facing AIDS, terminal illnesses, long-term rehabilitation and other medical problems.