I have worked as a chaplain for over 25 years and currently manage the pastoral care department in a Level I Trauma Center teaching hospital in Central Texas. Our pastoral care department is fully integrated into the clinical treatment team, and I am also an ACPE Certified Educator Candidate (CEC), which means I get to teach students the art of spiritual care.

Over the years, I have observed a change in the religious landscape of my community. In 1999, when I began my chaplaincy journey, 54% of Americans identified as religious. Now, that number has dropped to 47%. Additionally, 33% say they are non-religious but spiritual, and 18% claim to be non-religious or spiritual, up from 9% in 1999.[1] These statistics emphasize the growing importance of a strong pastoral identity. Pastoral identity represents the unique intersection of a chaplain’s faith, experiences, skills, and relationships within a healthcare organization. It goes beyond professional duties and embodies what it means to serve others in their spiritual growth and well-being. A well-defined pastoral identity benefits not only the chaplain but also the healthcare team and the broader community. 

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) students often begin their learning with an idea of what it means to provide pastoral care, which may differ from the reality of bedside care. Helping students understand their pastoral identity is crucial in their journey toward chaplaincy.  The ACPE Outcomes and Indicators require students to “demonstrate the ability to represent one’s role and function when initiating spiritual care relationships,” and “articulate an understanding of power dynamics and one’s authority when providing spiritual care.”[2] Meeting these competencies involves developing an understanding of their pastoral identity, which encompasses the chaplain's theological beliefs, spirituality, values, and relational dynamics. At its core, pastoral identity is about how a chaplain understands their calling and how that understanding informs their interactions with patients, staff, and the community. It is shaped by personal faith experiences, educational background, and practical ministry encounters, all of which contribute to the chaplain’s unique approach to ministry. 

A chaplain with a clear sense of identity understands their theological convictions and how these beliefs translate into actionable ministry. This clarity enables them to create authentic connections and lead with conviction, fostering trust within their care of the patient and the treatment team. 

One crucial aspect of pastoral identity is spiritual authority. A chaplain who embodies their identity exudes confidence and authenticity, resonating with care receivers. This spiritual authority is formed through intentional reflection on the chaplain’s spiritual and value-based systems, including faith, personal narratives, cultural identity, and community. Understanding the influences of these systems allows the chaplain to manage and demonstrate how they inform their spiritual care, allowing them to better understand their function in the room. 

Authenticity is another component of a chaplain’s pastoral identity. Patients are more likely to engage with and trust a chaplain who genuinely lives out their spirituality and values. When chaplains are open about their struggles and victories, they foster a culture of honesty and openness with care receivers, leading to deeper relationships and more meaningful spiritual conversations and support. 

Developing and maintaining pastoral identity is an ongoing journey that continues beyond CPE. Chaplains must commit to continual learning and growth, reflecting on their experiences, theology, and spiritual care practices. This includes pursuing board certification, which is the ultimate example of this pursuit. To be recommended for board certification, chaplains must demonstrate through real-life examples how they exemplify their pastoral identity and conduct. This is reflected in the Professional Identity and Conduct (PIC) section of the Common Qualifications and Competencies for Professional Chaplains.[3]

A willingness to learn and adapt contributes to a chaplain's resilience, allowing them to navigate the complexities of spiritual care effectively. As chaplains grow in their understanding of themselves and their ministry context, they become more effective leaders who can inspire and guide patients, staff, and the community through various seasons of life. The importance of pastoral identity cannot be overstated. It serves as the foundation for effective ministry, enabling chaplains to lead with confidence and authenticity.

1. Jones, Jeffrey M. (2023, September 22). In U.S., 47% Identify as Religious, 33% as Spiritual. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/511133/identity-religious-spiritiual.aspx
2. ACPE Outcomes and Indicators - ACPE Manuals - 2020. (n.d.). ACPE. https://www.manula.com/manuals/acpe/acpe-manuals/2016/en/topic/acpe-outcomes-and-indicators?q=outcomes+an
3. Common Qualifications and Competencies - BCCI. (2024, April 19). BCCI. https://www.apchaplains.org/bcci-site/becoming-certified/common-qualifications-and-competencies/