Introduction to Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling

The Mission
The Chaplaincy Evangelism Team of the North American Mission Board (NAMB), partners with local Baptist churches, associations and state conventions to facilitate the proclamation of the gospel through the endorsement process of SBC ministers as chaplains and counselors in ministry.

to assist local churches to minister to persons in the name of Christ through chaplaincy and counseling ministries.

to develop, support, and encourage persons who are involved in chaplaincy and counseling ministries.

Vision
Because we know that God is at work in the world to bring people into relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ, the Chaplaincy Evangelism Team is dedicated to being on the front line of the advancement of chaplaincy and counseling ministry. The Chaplaincy Evangelism Team works in cooperative partnership with Southern Baptist churches and with agencies receiving chaplains and counselors in ministry.

to provide the best qualified chaplains and counselors in ministry.

to minister the Christian witness in specialized settings of ministry.

to support endorsed ministers through the resources of the SBC.

What is Chaplaincy?
Chaplaincy is an expression of ministry that places chaplains inside various settings, which include hospitals, corporations, prisons, public safety agencies, and the military services. As such, chaplaincy is an extension of the local church reaching into our diverse and multi-cultural society providing spiritual care to people. Chaplains perform the roles of pastor, teacher, evangelist, counselor, and administrator as they represent the church and the denomination from "inside" the using agency.

What is Pastoral Counseling?
Counseling ministry is an expression of counseling by which a minister with specialized clinical training seeks to help persons cope with personal, marital, family, social, and/or religious issues. The awareness of the presence of God as the ultimate reality makes counseling a "ministry." Counselors in ministry serve in pastoral counseling centers, Baptist association offices, and local churches.

Where do Chaplains and Counselors in ministry serve?

Military chaplains serve in all components of the armed services through the Chaplain Corps of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Civil Air Patrol.

Healthcare facilities - Hospital Chaplains serve in general medical centers, Veterans Affairs (VA) medical and psychiatric centers, developmental disability, hospice, home care, and retirement facilities.

Counseling training and service facilities.

Institutions, including correctional facilities, children’s homes, and academies.

Corporate settings, including businesses, motels/hotels, sports organizations, and other related areas.

Public safety, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services.