Who can be a chaplain?

All sorts of people from all backgrounds and walks of life are called by God to be chaplains. Chaplaincy can be a full time or a part-time role. It can be paid or voluntary and can be fulfilled by lay and ordained alike.

There is no blueprint for what makes a good chaplain, but all of our chaplains share some of the following criteria and characteristics:

• A person who is confident in his or her faith
• Willing to serve the 95 per cent who don’t have regular contact with our places of worship
• A listener and pastor
• A collaborative team member
• A creative pioneer
• Aged between 18 and 80+

Who can be a Chaplain?

All sorts of people from all backgrounds and walks of life are called by God to be chaplains. Chaplaincy can be a full time or a part-time role. It can be paid or voluntary and can be fulfilled by lay and ordained alike.

There is no blueprint for what makes a good chaplain, but all of our chaplains share some of the following criteria and characteristics:

• A person who is confident in his or her faith
• Willing to serve the 95% who don’t have regular contact with our places of worship
• A listener and pastor
• A collaborative team member
• A creative pioneer
• Aged between 18 and 80+

Elizabeth Alden, Chaplain at Kings of Wessex Academy, Cheddar

How do I become a Chaplain?

First take time to pray and talk with people you know and trust in your local faith community. If you believe God is calling you to a chaplaincy role, or if you are considering setting up a chaplaincy in your school, workplace, organisation or community contact Mike Haslam, our Chaplaincy Development Adviser. 

Who to contact

Mike Haslam, Chaplaincy Development Adviser