“Before Starr King, I had no idea that chaplaincy was even a career option or that I could live my life as a c
haplain in a hospital or prison or the military.”
–Kevin Mann
“I just couldn’t believe that this was a real profession in the world, and that people got paid for doing what chaplains do. I thought that was something you would have to do in your volunteer time, as something to feed your soul…To find out that this was a profession, that this was something I could do everyday— talk with patients and be with people in crisis and need—that was my moment of calling. That was when I realized I was born to do this.”
–Benjamin Dresner
One year ago, the Chaplaincy Institute and Starr King School for the Ministry came together to create new opportunities for students to answer their call to spiritual and religious leadership. We are proud to announce that 16 students have enrolled in our joint programs and benefited from this new partnership. Beginning this fall, we are able to offer students not only our Joint Program for Interfaith Chaplaincy, but also our Joint Program for Interfaith Spiritual Direction.
The Chaplaincy Institute and Starr King began this experiment in partnership because both schools understand that religious leadership is changing; new forms have grown to meet the needs of the day. We know, too, that it’s vitally important to prepare people who are able to mindfully respond to people from a broad variety of religious traditions with respect, preparedness, and compassion.
As we enter into the second year of our affiliation, we look forward to welcoming new students into our programs. We are excited to explore more opportunities to train the religious leaders our world so desperately needs. And we reaffirm our commitment to be of service and support to those on the path of religious leadership in the many forms it takes.
Learn more about the Joint Program for Interfaith Chaplaincy.
Learn more about the Joint Program for Interfaith Spiritual Direction.
