Workplace Chaplaincy is a faith-based ministry to those at work. Many faiths support chaplaincy in different contexts, though in the case of workplace chaplaincy it is most commonly a Christian ministry. Most chaplains work as volunteers in teams drawn from different local congregations.
This short introductory course takes a Christian perspective and is ideal for anyone in the UK (lay or ordained), who may be thinking of volunteering with their church as a workplace chaplain, or who wishes to know more about this ministry.
The course will be held online via Zoom. Although delivered online, an important element of how it is taught is through group discussion, and therefore the course is not available as a “stand-alone” online e-learning package for individuals.
Workplace Chaplaincy teams are encouraged to use this course as basic training for all new chaplains, for those enquiring about chaplaincy, or for current chaplains who might benefit from a short refresher course. If your team has several people wanting to do the course the course materials can be made available to be delivered locally, in person. Full leader’s guidance is provided. Please contact us to discuss this. (see below).
The online course consists of five 90 minute sessions spread over five weeks and includes:
- The different roles of a workplace chaplain – as listener, carer, critical friend, intercessor and confidante.
- Key skills for effective workplace chaplaincy – including theological reflection, confidentiality, being present, active listening, and being organised as a team.
- The theology of work, chaplaincy and mission and how chaplaincy can encourage new approaches to mission for congregations working together in their communities.
- An introduction to how the economy works and how this can guide a chaplain to engage effectively with those they meet in the workplace.
- The use of bible study, videos, case studies drawn from many years of workplace chaplaincy experience, small group discussion, and a detailed coursebook.
- The course is led by experienced workplace chaplains from across the UK who are members of the WCM UK network.
Following the course, participants are encouraged, where possible, to contact existing local chaplaincy teams to observe chaplaincy in action. Completion of the course does not provide a recognised qualification, and anyone wishing to join their local team will need to apply direct, and follow the local recruitment policy. We can provide contact information of local teams.
The cost of the 5-week course is £50 per person. Once a place on the course is offered, an invoice will be sent which needs to be paid before the place is confirmed. Failure to do this will result in the place being withdrawn. (Please get in touch if the cost is a barrier to joining in, as we do not wish to exclude anyone due to affordability.)
WCM UK runs the Introduction to Workplace Chaplaincy course online twice a year. If you would like to discuss running your own course as a team, or have other questions please email or phone 07946 655450.
Please be aware that completion of this course does not provide you with a formal professionally accredited qualification.
Because of high demand the courses planned for November 2024 and January 2025 are now fully subscribed. A further course is planned for June 2025, though the dates have yet to be fixed. If you register your interest we will put you on the waiting list for this course and contact you as soon as the dates have been finalised.
To register your interest in the course to be held in June 2025, please complete the form below.