Corporate Chaplains - digg this
I was listening to NPR and they did a broadcast about the concept of a corporate chaplain. There's certainly a history of chaplains in the military and in hospitals. The idea of a pastor on staff at a religious organization makes sense, but I've never thought about a secular company having one. Apparently it's not all that uncommon.
If you enjoyed this entry subscribe to this blog by email or feed readerThere are organizations that cater to this sort of need:
Marketplace Ministries
Corporate Chaplains of America
Chaplains at Work
The National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplains
And as I read articles about this it seems like a pretty good idea. The ministers do need to be sensitive to the workplace environment. This means no proselytizing, though they may lead voluntary Bible studies and prayer groups. They also need to make sure that they stay neutral when it comes to workplace politics, no taking sides. The practice also leads to increased productivity and decreased shrinkage (corporate theft) according to the Christian Science Monitor.
These men and women get to touch the lives of those who may not otherwise be able to go to church because of their work. They are also there for employees who aren't particularly religious, but need help with grief counseling or that just need someone to talk to. What an opportunity to spread the Gospel! Of course all of the articles I read also indicate that this may lead to increased cases of litigation, though so far that doesn't appear to be the case.
Are you aware of any employers that offer this service? Would you take advantage of it? If I had that sort of access here at work then I would surely use it.
Total Number of Comments: 1
We don't have chaplains, per se, but I see a lot of fliers and stuff on the bulletin boards about prayer groups and bible studies...I doubt they're work-sponsored, considering the company I work for.