ABSTRACT
Chaplaincy studies make a significant contribution to practical theology, due to the unique space inhabited by the chaplain, who operates within the spiritual element of life in the public sphere. The identity of the role of the chaplain is vulnerable, sitting in a tension between the professional practice of the sector and the faith tradition’s notions of the role of the chaplain. Compared to other types of religious leaders, the challenges of secularisation are experienced more quickly and more intensely by chaplains. One can look forward to seeing even more creative, reflective and insightful research that nourishes knowledge about chaplaincy to support it to continue to flourish as a vibrant and vital ministry. As the variety of sites for chaplaincy expands so does the need for knowledge about what it looks like to be a chaplain within these new settings, hence an increased use of empirical research methods.
