Chaplaincy: A Ministry of Presence

by Matt Sanders

At the heart of the role of chaplaincy is PRESENCE. This manual, designed for new chaplains, explores four dimensions of (1) As the chaplain is present to him/herself with compassion and awareness, and (2) is present to The Presence with sensitivity and authenticity, he/she then (3) moves outward to others with simple, skillful means to help lighten their loads in life, and (4) helps others to connect more deeply to The Presence in ways that serve their highest good. This is part training manual, part memoir, part prayer book, and part self-care handbook. The author provides practical suggestions for pastoral support, and prayer with others, offers bits of wisdom to apply in one's ministry, and uses stories from his pastoral work in detention and hospital ministries to provide concrete examples of ways to apply these ideas. Additionally, this book is meant to help the chaplain nurture his/her own soul through self-care and prayer.

326 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2014

Reviews

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the time of writing this review I am in the middle of a CPE program. I’ve read roughly 8 books in the last three months on the Chaplaincy and I can tell you, hands-down, this is the best one I have come across. It’s so easy to read, has so much practical advice, inspiring stories, spiritual exercises, and even a study guide for groups. If you can only read one book on Chaplaincy, I would make it this one. Bravo Matt Sanders, you have offered us all a true gift in this book.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen O’Neil recommended this book and shared the section on “HELLOOO,” which immediately drew me in. When I got the book, I read the first 70 pages in one night—it spoke to me right away.

I found it to be an incredible reflection on what it means to be present with myself. Clear, compassionate, and deeply grounding. I’ve skimmed the later sections about God, others, and more, and found those harder to engage with right now.

For now, I’m grateful for what I received from the book and am focusing on continuing the practice of presence with self.