IMAC Chaplaincy

Training & Course.

Chaplaincy is about people. It’s about showing up in moments that matter — moments of loss, uncertainty, transition, hope, and deep questioning. The IMAC Chaplaincy Course is designed to prepare people who feel called to walk alongside others with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, whatever their background, beliefs, or life situation.

This course offers a rich blend of learning, reflection, and real-world experience. It doesn’t just teach what chaplaincy is — it shapes who the chaplain becomes.

Understanding Chaplaincy in Today’s World

Students begin by exploring what chaplaincy truly means and why it matters in modern society. The course looks at how spiritual care has developed over time and how chaplains now serve in many different settings, including hospitals, prisons, schools, workplaces, the military, community organisations, and hospices.

A strong focus is placed on the unique role of the chaplain — someone who may represent a faith tradition while caring for people of all faiths and none. Students learn how to hold professional boundaries, work ethically, and offer what chaplaincy is best known for: a quiet, respectful ministry of presence — simply being there with people in their moments of need.

Caring for the Whole Person

Chaplaincy goes beyond religion. This course helps students understand spirituality in all its forms — religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, and non-religious. Students learn how to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and recognise what gives people meaning, strength, or distress in their lives.

The course also explores the close link between spirituality, health, and wellbeing. Students gain insight into how spiritual concerns can affect emotional and mental health, and how sensitive spiritual care can support healing, resilience, and peace.

Becoming a Reflective and Resilient Chaplain

Chaplaincy can be deeply rewarding — and emotionally demanding. This programme takes that seriously. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, assumptions, emotions, and vulnerabilities, understanding how these shape the care they offer.

Through guided reflection, group discussions, supervision, and journaling, students learn how to grow from their experiences while protecting their own wellbeing. Practical tools for self-care, emotional resilience, and managing burnout are woven throughout the course, recognising that healthy chaplains offer better care.

Learning Through Real Experience

At the heart of the programme is supervised pastoral placement. Students spend time in real chaplaincy settings, engaging directly with individuals, families, and staff. With experienced supervision, they learn how to put theory into practice, develop confidence, and find their own pastoral voice.

Students also take part in structured reflection on real encounters, learning how to listen, respond, and reflect with honesty and care. They gain experience working alongside other professionals such as healthcare staff, teachers, social workers, and support teams, reflecting the collaborative nature of chaplaincy work today.

Ethics, Responsibility, and Professional Integrity

Chaplaincy requires trust. This course equips students to navigate complex ethical and legal situations with clarity and confidence. Topics include confidentiality, safeguarding, informed consent, end-of-life care, and managing competing responsibilities.

Students learn how to make thoughtful, ethical decisions in challenging situations, always keeping the dignity and wellbeing of those they serve at the centre of their practice.

Communicating with Compassion

Strong communication lies at the heart of effective chaplaincy. The course develops advanced listening and communication skills, helping students respond with sensitivity in moments of grief, crisis, anger, fear, and deep emotional pain.

Students learn how to notice what is not being said, validate emotions, and offer calm, compassionate presence when words feel inadequate.

Who Is This Course For?

The IMAC Chaplaincy Course is ideal for:

Those sensing a call to chaplaincy or spiritual care

Faith leaders seeking to serve beyond traditional ministry settings

Professionals working in care, education, or community roles

Anyone wanting to develop deeper listening, pastoral, and reflective skills

Graduates leave equipped not just with knowledge, but with confidence, self-awareness, and a grounded sense of purpose — ready to offer inclusive, ethical, and compassionate care in a complex world.