Ordained Vs. Licensed Chaplain

Where religion fits into a person's workplace can sometimes be a tricky question. There are several occupations such as social work, military service, police service, fire fighting and others which often have chaplains attending those who are serving the public. Which raises the question as to what the difference in between an ordained chaplain and a licensed chaplain.

Chaplain

A chaplain is, by and large, nothing more than a "minister" in the workplace. The word minister could be replaced by the title of any clergy who is practicing in the workplace.

Ordained

The word ordained means "of God, fate, etc." As such, when a chaplain has been ordained, she has been invested with the authority of God, and usually of a church, to perform their duties in the workplace.

Licensed

A licensed chaplain, on the other hand, is one who has passed a secular test and is recognized by the government as being able to perform their functions. This often comes after being ordained, and it may not be necessary in some states/positions.

Requirements

Certain positions, such as police and fire chaplains, will require that the chaplain be both licensed and ordained. Other organizations, such as prisons or not-for-profit organizations. may require only that a chaplain is ordained.

Duties

Regardless of whether a chaplain is ordained, licensed or both, there are certain duties they have. A chaplain is there to counsel others, to act as short-term intervention and to be a spiritual leader in the workplace.

References

• National Center for Chaplain Development
• IFOC Chaplains
• Ordained Definition