Chaplaincy can be a lonely profession. The solitary hospice chaplain visiting dying patients in a wide area of a rural setting. The police chaplain in an urban district assigned to support several law enforcement units in times of crisis. The lone chaplain working long hours in a hospital where budgets are too tight to hire a colleague. How can chaplains create a sense of belonging with others called to similar work in settings where they may be the only provider of spiritual care on the payroll? What can combat the sense of isolation many chaplains feel in their unique role? Are there ways to foster that community author Henri Nouwen speaks about that is so important to the continued professional and spiritual development of chaplains?

To help address this problem, the Spiritual Care Association encourages its members to connect in virtual “Communities of Chaplains.” Each community will consist of approximately 12 members. Communities are formed in a shared geographic area of the country that provides a context for the social, religious, and cultural diversity its members may encounter in their work. Communities meet monthly for 60 to 90 minutes either via Zoom. Each community will choose a moderator to act as the focal point for planning and communicating meeting times, agendas etc. A rotating facilitator may lead each monthly meeting. Where possible, communities are encouraged to meet quarterly for longer sessions in which more in-depth discussion and peer learning may take place.