After our recent breakfasts where we introduced both business owners and clergy to the idea of corporate chaplaincy, I felt we gained some traction in the marketplace. In this blog I want to put some "meat on the bones" and define more clearly what a workplace chaplain does. If you are a chaplain in a hospital or with the police or in a school, you might see some parallels but you will also see a difference. A hospital chaplain would not necessarily make a good workplace chaplain. An evangelist would not necessarily make a good chaplain. A member of a local church looking to "grow" their church would definitely not make a good workplace chaplain.
There are some church leaders that can see past their own denominational programs and initiatives but sadly (to me at least) they are few and far between. Some church leaders might even see this as something their church should become involved in as an "evangelistic tool". That is not what workplace chaplaincy is all about.
Let me begin by giving you a snapshot of a typical day in the life of this chaplain. I get paid by All Weather Windows to work 20 hours a week at our Mississauga plant. When I go in, I spend time walking around the plant and office area. I greet employees where I might get a few handshakes and a few fist to fist greetings. I acknowledge each employee with a wave, a smile and occasionally a few words. That initial walk through is primarily to let employees know that I am in. My office is right in the manufacturing part of our facility so I am visible. In the office I check emails and follow-up with issues from the previous day. I will meet with management from time to time but most of my time is spent with the employees. Too much time with management causes employees to back off because they think you are sharing personal information about them. That is despite the fact everything said to me is confidential. When I share anything with management it is minus names and it seldom occurs.
I will do a walk through at least 3 or 4 times a day. I linger a bit longer with some folks who might want to briefly discuss something with me. Those somethings range from things like immigration issues, marital problems, addiction problems, interpersonal tensions between employees, health related problems, and so on. As the chaplain I hear complaints about supervisors and about management and I report those in my monthly report that goes to management. Ownership and management understand and insist, that I never divulge the name of those who come to me. If I did, I would lose my job.
As the day goes on, I will occasionally make phone calls to agencies or to our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP). I will refer employees to other professionals if I feel I cannot adequately help the employee or family member who is seeking assistance. The odd time I will accompany an employee to the hospital in case of emergency and visit if they are admitted. I will officiate for weddings and funerals when asked to do so.
The key aspect of workplace chaplaincy is my ability to gain the trust of the employees. Our workplace has over 100 employees and they come from various cultural backgrounds. With time I have learned some things that are unique to each culture and that helps me to more effectively respond to the needs that arise.
I hope you have noticed the one thing I do not do as a former pastor and missionary: I do not preach at people! I do not try and get them to join my church! As Christian leaders hear this part, many tune out. In other words, if you are not about saving souls, I am not interested. That translates into: if this doesn't lead to people joining my church, I am not interested. Many of you might even agree with that sentiment. Let me try to "renew your mind".
I am a Christian who was a former pastor. All the employees know this truth. When they have spiritual questions, they come to me. I am then free to speak openly about my faith. I am a Christian presence in the marketplace that is accepted by Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Atheists and others. I have built relationships with these folks because I am honest with them and I have no hidden agenda. What I also know is that God opens doors when we make ourselves available to Him. If you think the best way to do that in your workplace is to put your largest Bible on your desk, then feel free to do so. I believe chaplaincy works much better.
I could come on here telling a lot of stories but some of those employees are reading this blog so I will protect their privacy. There are plenty of other things I do during those 20 hours a week, like leading the wellness program. Like introducing corporate chaplaincy to other business owners and clergy. Like identifying those of you who might consider being a workplace chaplain.
I know there are pastors out there who no longer want to pastor. I know how you feel. Contact me if you are interested in learning more. Perhaps you are a member in a church and feel some kind of calling on your life to ministry but there is nothing that grabs your heart. Maybe you are a business owner who wants to know more. Happy, healthy employees improves the productivity of any business. We have the statistics to prove chaplaincy works.
