Chaplain Competency
HCMA is committed to a high standard of professional conduct for its members. In certifying chaplains for healthcare ministry, demonstration of professional chaplain competency standards as well as ethical conduct is of primary concern. The Professional Chaplain Competency Standards and the Code of Ethics have been established by HCMA for measuring pastoral care skills and ethical behavior. HCMA members are held accountable for these standards of professional and ethical conduct. These Professional Chaplain Competency Standards and Code of Ethics are motivated by a commitment to excellence in the pastoral / spiritual care provided by its members and a concern for the well-being of the clients they serve. Professional and ethical standards are vital to public respect for and trust in the ministry of professional chaplains. Each professional and ethical standard is designed to guide HCMA and its members in recognizing norms for professional and ethical conduct and for calling people to accountability when these norms are violated. If there is any allegation of an HCMA member being in violation of any of these standards, HCMA will look into all of the stories and concerns involved. If there is found to be a need for discipline, the goal will be on restoration of the offender to an appropriate life and ministry. Before a person can be certified as a professional HCMA Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) or Certified Clinical Chaplain (CCC), the person must meet certain qualifications. For example, an HCMA BCC must have a seminary degree, ordination, ecclesiastical endorsement, completed four units of clinical pastoral education, a 1,600-hour internship, and measure up to the Professional Chaplain Competency Standards through a written and oral peer review. (See Qualifying for Board Certified Chaplain and Qualifying for Clinical Chaplain under the heading Certification.) As mentioned above, one of the professional qualifications is demonstrating professional chaplain competency in four key areas. These four key areas of competency are: 1) Personal Identity and Conduct, 2) Theology of Pastoral Care, 3) Pastoral / Spiritual Care, and 4) Professional Competencies. This document is one of two foundational documents (the other being the HCMA Code of Ethics) that describe what it means for a professional Chaplain to function as a competent and ethical pastoral caregiver in the healthcare setting. The Professional Chaplain Competency Standards An HCMA Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) and Certified Clinical Chaplain (CCC) gives evidence of the personal, theological, pastoral / spiritual care, and professional competencies necessary to provide effective spiritual care in the healthcare setting. I. Personal Identity and Conduct Competencies The Personal Identity and Conduct Competencies of a BCC or CCC with HCMA are evidenced by the professional Chaplain’s ability to:
II. Theology of Pastoral / Spiritual Care Competencies The Theology of Pastoral / Spiritual Care Competencies of a BCC or CCC with HCMA are evidenced by the professional Chaplain’s ability to:
III. Pastoral / Spiritual Care Competencies The Pastoral / Spiritual Care Competencies of a BCC or CCC with HCMA are evidenced by the professional Chaplain’s ability to:
IV. Professional Competencies The Professional Competencies of a BCC or CCC with HCMA are evidenced by the professional Chaplain’s ability to:
How you can help
You can have an impact in the lives of others. You can help HCMA minister to those in need by praying for, supporting and encouraging a Chaplain, by praying for and supporting the HCMA organization, by referring hospitals or potential Chaplain Applicants to HCMA or by applying to HCMA yourself. Become an HCMA Chaplain If you want to have a dynamic impact through an active pastoral care ministry within the healthcare setting, and you meet the qualifications, then consider training and serving as an HCMA Chaplain. HCMA provides extensive and intensive clinical pastoral training. Tell Others Although the HCMA has been training healthcare Chaplains since 1939, there are always more who could be involved. Share with others the joy you have in being part of the HCMA ministering team as a supporter or prayer partner. Encourage others to call for information or have them visit this web site. Refer Candidates If you know seminary students, pastors or missionaries who might be prospective Chaplains, tell them about HCMA. Also, expose young people to the possibility of serving the Lord in the future as an HCMA Chaplain. Refer Patients If you have a friend or relative who would benefit from a visit, call your Chaplain. Pray for HCMA Chaplains Any effective ministry must be undergirded by prayer. HCMA Chaplains desire your prayers. If you are not currently familiar with a Chaplain, contact HCMA and the office will put you in contact with one in your area. Encourage others to receive your HCMA Chaplain’s prayer letter. The prayer letter will help you and others pray for specific needs. Encourage Your HCMA Chaplain While the ministry is very rewarding, it can also be very challenging. Chaplains need to know that they are remembered in prayer and that you appreciate their ministry. Here are some ways that you can encourage them:
Support HCMA Chaplains Financially Not all HCMA Chaplains are an employee of the healthcare facility and receive a salary. HCMA Chaplains depend on individuals, churches, foundations and other organizations to provide their financial support. Consider giving to an individual Chaplain or to the HCMA Chaplains’ Benevolence Fund. If possible, support your Chaplain through monthly, systematic giving. You might also consider including HCMA in your will. Such gifts expand and encourage the ministry and allow future Chaplains to serve effectively. President & Directors
President: Larry Montgomery Area Directors: Chuck Altig Donald Jentes Charles & Donna McIlhenny Dr. Anna Milner-Stroman Gerald Wylie David Yàñez |
If you're a part of a community, or family, looking for a chaplain with professional training to strengthen your home or business follow this page to learn more about our chaplains. We welcome Larry Montgomery as the next President and CEO for HCMA.
“What an encouragement to realize that God has reserved you and me for a special task in His great work. In His hands we're not only useful, but priceless.” -- Joni Eareckson Tada |