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To be a successful chaplain requires acrifice, study, hard work and dedication. All of these qualities are needed to be able to serve your assigned community or congregation. I was not aware of the diversified communities a chaplain functions in. Trying to understand the culture and backgrounds of the community, religious, socio-economic and cultural preferences are so very important.

A good chaplain needs to bond with those he or she serves and ignorance of what makes them tick would be a barrier to accomplish this. I can fully understand now why I need to take the other courses ULC requires to attain the chaplain title.

Another major requirement is for a chaplain to understand exactly what is required of him by the organization that hired him. What job duties are required to be performed, how, when and where, how the function is to be done, whether they are holding services before work hours in the company chapel,for example, or being allowed to counsel employees during lunch hour etc. Another important issue that was raised was the important issue of when to punt, when to recognize the problem being presented to me is beyond my capabilities and should be handled by a professional in the field where the problem lies.

This Chaplaincy course also taught that a chaplain needs to take of themselves as well. Sometimes it is the chaplain themselves that need the help and counseling and the vacation, to get away from it all for awhile and recharge their spiritual batteries, so they can come back strong and continue their ministry. A chaplain needs to know when to draw the line and not get too emotionally invested in a person they are ministering to. Instead of helping a person solve their problem, they then become part of the problem instead of the solution. Especially in first responder ministries, a chaplain may need professional counseling themselves after a terrible accident, multiple fatalities etc.

Just like a professional carpenter, a successful chaplain, will carry with them, their "box" of tools. A Bible to read from), kleenex tissues (to give to those that are crying), bible tracts (to teach from or comfort those with biblical scriptures, a laptop to keep track of appointments (to communicate by email or show presentations), a crucifix, holy water or oil (to bless and anoint their congregation) etc. I also learned a good chaplain should never betray their core beliefs, they should say true to them and not try and fit their beliefs to the circumstances they are in. Be honest with people with certain requests and offer other individuals of similar beliefs to service them. This way there is no conflict and or resentment or guilt for that matter.

I also noticed that various organization have different requirements for hiring a chaplain. Some require a masters degree in ministry and or some many years of experience in counseling etc and also a chaplain designation by their home church before they will be even considered for the position. I enjoyed this Online Seminary course so very much, I am sorry it is over. It was very simple to understand, presented logically and covered every facet of being a chaplain. It has encouraged me to continue on with my studies and helped me understand the full ramifications of being a chaplain. This course has defined my ministry and opened my eyes to what I am doing and how I am doing it. I want to thank the author for this wonderful Universal Life Church course and would recommend this course to anyone considering a career as a chaplain! --Rev. Andy Arecco