CHAPLAINCY AND PAGAN MINISTRY

This course comprises of workshops, lectures and practical work at intervals over ten weekends, with additional written work. A mentor will be assigned to each trainee, who will be available for advice and clarification throughout the course.

Assessment will be by external assessment, plus the recommendation of their mentor, in addition to observed practical skills and marked written work.

The course is mainly practical work, interspersed with three written modules and an agreed task. The final assessment will be completed on the last day of the course. 

The aim of the course is to prepare Chaplains to work within a number of different Chaplaincy Departments, and to advise and assist individuals in the community where the need for a Chaplain may be seen to be evident.

Upon completion of the Course, students will be members of the Institute of Leadership Management and – if they go forward to Chaplaincy – membership of the Institute of Pagan Chaplains. Celebrants, Ministers and Chaplains are listed on the Seminary website.

CHAPLAINCY

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

If you have a call to sacred service, a voice to speak for others, a need to help the vulnerable in society and a vision of an inclusive world, then this course is for you.

TO APPLY TO THE SEMINARY COURSE, YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Interview skills, empathy and listening skills.
• Diplomacy and the ability to cope with emotion often in awkward and complex situations.
• An ability to relate to assembled people and speak with them in a confident, not patronising manner.
• A background of work with clients or experience in one of the caring professions (whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors) would be a real advantage, but life experience will be taken into consideration.

COURSE CONTENT

A mentor will be assigned to each student and during the course we encourage the students to phone or meet with their mentor/spiritual counsellor often, to review the journey and to discuss any challenges that they are facing.

Assessment will be by external assessment, plus the recommendation of their mentor, in addition to observed practical skills and marked written work.

The course is mainly practical work, interspersed with three written modules and an agreed task. The final assessment will be completed on the last day of the course. 

• The aim of the course is to prepare Chaplains to work within a number of different Chaplaincy Departments and to advise and assist individuals in the community where the need for a Chaplain may be required.
• We will work with our students to enable them to understand and write bespoke ceremonies for all Life Celebrations and become professional and confident when officiating at Naming Ceremonies, Wedding Blessings, Handfastings and any other Rites of Life.
• We also cover Death rites and will advise our Chaplains on how to deal with individuals and their families prior to death. we cover the duties of the chaplain at all stages of the dying process; where they are asked to officiate at a funeral and to help families who may be experiencing grief at this time.
• The trainee will gain an informed outlook on all Pagan Paths through talks, discussions and workshops.

Chaplains are expected to be secure in their own beliefs and paths. Your personal spiritual practice is the foundation upon which your chaplaincy development must be grounded.

Through the Pagan Seminary programme, students will:

Understanding Pagan Paths

• Deepen knowledge of a wide range of Pagan traditions
• Learn how to support Pagans of different paths
• Access talks and teachings from acknowledged experts and authorities within diverse Pagan traditions

Interfaith & Multi-Faith Competency

• Build upon prior experiences of working in multi-faith and interfaith settings
• Develop a working knowledge of other spiritual and religious beliefs
• Explore intolerance and attraction across traditions, and reflect on how faiths connect to their Gods, Goddesses, and sacred principles

Personal and Professional Development

• Training in self-care, resilience, and spiritual supervision
• Establishing practices of debrief, reflection, and accountability
• Individual avenues for self-development and professional growth

Core Skills for Chaplaincy

• Effective communication and active listening
• Ritual and ceremony design and delivery
• Professional conduct and conflict resolution
• Safeguarding for children and adults, lone working, and self-care
• Health & safety in community and event contexts
• Equalities and dealing with discrimination in line with the Equality Act 2010

Specialist Training Areas

• Pastoral care and counselling approaches
• Facilitating responses to domestic abuse, FGM, and other safeguarding issues
• Recognising and responding to extremism
• Mental health awareness and signposting support