🎥 Video 1E Transcript: How to Talk to Pastors, Elders, and Deacons About Church Community Chaplaincy

Hi, I am Haley, a Christian Leaders Institute presenter.

In this video, we will talk about how to speak with pastors, elders, and deacons about Church Community Chaplaincy.

This conversation matters because church leaders are responsible for shepherding, oversight, doctrine, mercy ministry, and the unity of the church. A chaplaincy role should never surprise them, bypass them, or compete with them.

Begin with honor.

You might say, “I want to explore a care role that supports the ministry of our pastors, elders, and deacons. I do not want to create confusion or act independently. I want to serve under proper oversight.”

That kind of opening lowers fear. It tells leaders that you are not trying to become a second pastor, unofficial elder, private counselor, or independent care authority.

Then explain the purpose.

A Church Community Chaplain helps the church offer faithful presence, prayer, encouragement, visitation, follow-up, and referral-aware care. The chaplain notices people who may be grieving, lonely, discouraged, absent, overwhelmed, or unsure how to ask for help. The chaplain helps people move toward healthy support.

Then state the boundaries clearly.

The chaplain does not govern the church. The chaplain does not make elder decisions. The chaplain does not make deacon benevolence decisions alone. The chaplain does not handle church discipline. The chaplain does not promise absolute secrecy. The chaplain does not provide professional counseling unless separately qualified and authorized.

It is also important to say this plainly: the chaplain is not a back-channel to the pastor, elders, deacons, staff, or ministry leaders.

Members should not use the chaplain to send anonymous complaints, indirect demands, or private messages to leadership. The chaplain may pray with someone, help them prepare, and encourage direct, humble communication. But the chaplain does not become their substitute voice.

Next, ask leaders what structure would make sense.

Should the chaplain serve at the pleasure of the Lead Pastor, at the will of the elders, or under a care ministry appointment? Who gives assignments? Who receives appropriate updates? What situations require immediate escalation? How will the congregation learn what the role is and is not?

These questions show maturity.

Finally, ask for a written role description and public clarity. If a church publicly commissions, installs, blesses, licenses, or ordains Church Community Chaplains according to its polity, the congregation should hear the boundaries clearly.

A strong summary is this: “We want trained care servants who multiply pastoral care without replacing pastoral leadership.”

When pastors, elders, deacons, chaplains, and the congregation understand the role together, Church Community Chaplaincy can become a beautiful gift to the local church.