The role of the chaplain is based upon pastoral identity. Although pastoral identity is shaped by denominational or faith background, there is a common religious consciousness which provides for sharing between chaplains and the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs community. Chaplains also must have clarity about their mission. Roles are related to their understanding of mission and mission cannot be determined without an appreciation for the source of authority. Chaplains’ authority is derived from their spiritual base. The chaplains’ strength and authority rest in God and from the working of God through their lives.

Role is also focused by love and caring for each other. Chaplains assist members of the faith community to care for each other by leading both in individual prayer and in corporate worship. They provide the sacraments or rites to those who are hungry or in need, in joy or in pain. Other major roles of chaplain are as prophet and priest/pastor. Both “imply a leadership role.” Leadership has many aspects. One is as community developer/pastoral leader. As community developer and pastoral leader, the chaplain helps persons clarify their faith and the meaning and purpose of that faith in life situations. Pastoral leaders help persons develop appropriate strategies to insure that their faith includes responsibility for life in ministry in the world about them. Pastoral leaders are concerned about creative change and intervene at points which brings spiritual health to the community.

As leaders, the chaplains are on the staff of the Commander or the Hospital Administrator. To fulfill their missional role, the chaplains must be a part of the organization and subject to its responsibilities and decisions, but continually challenging it to maintain a proper perspective based upon God’s creative intention.

How does the role of chaplain differ from the role of a local pastor, priest or rabbi? The differences may rest less in issues or theological bases than in the intensity of relationships created by the nature and purpose of the setting. The military chaplain serves in an institution whose primary purpose is to wage war while the VA chaplain serves in a unique institution whose primary purpose is hospitalization and healing, not ministry. The differences are as follows:

First, the chaplain operates in a pluralistic setting. Chaplains serve many people who are not of their denomination or faith group. Some of those served may be agnostic, indifferent or even antagonistic to religious faith.

Second, the ministry is unique in that it takes place in an ecumenical setting. Involved clergypersons tend to share a common core of professional responsibility. They nurture the total religious community, encourage moral responsibility, and provide a climate for growth and maturation regardless of creed.

A third aspect is ministry to the institution. Many chaplains know that they not only serve people as individuals or groups, but that they have an equally important task. They must be aware of the way institutions make decisions or formulate policies to insure that structures do not dehumanize people within their institution.

Fourth, chaplains are concerned about the general welfare of all the people whom they serve. They are humanitarians in the best sense of that word. They meet people in the crises of their lives.

Fifth, chaplains operate in a mobile environment. In most cases the people whom they serve are transient. Ministry is not to a stable community, but to a passing parade.

Sixth, chaplains at times may conduct programs that are not religious in focus but which may be characterized by human growth or character building. Sometimes these programs do not prepare persons for church membership but prepare people to lead more ethical and moral lives.

While this does not exhaust our understanding of the role of the chaplain, it may help focus upon its base in the authority of God and our work together as a caring community with common religious consciousness.