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Interfaith ChaplaincyProgram Catalog2021 - ww.chaplaincyinstitute.org
Copyright 2005, 2007-2019 byThe Chaplaincy Institute and The ChI Interfaith CommunityAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system ortransmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,without the prior written permission of the publisher.Published by ChI Press, 9450 SW Gemini Dr PMB 27853Beaverton, Oregon 97008-71052
Table of ContentsCORE CURRICULUM . 5THE FIVE THREADS OF INTERFAITH CHAPLAINCY STUDIES. 5INTERFAITH WISDOM . 5SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY . 5SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT . 5INTERFAITH MINISTRY & SERVICE . 6VOCATIONAL FORMATION . 6CORE COMPETENCIES FOR MINISTERIAL FORMATION . 6PROGRAM STRUCTURE . 6LIVE REMOTE INSTRUCTION. 7RESIDENTIAL LEARNING RETREATS. 7COURSE TIMING & FREQUENCY . 7COHORT PARTICIPATION . 7INDEPENDENT STUDY . 8REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY . 9. 10ORDINATION . 10WHAT IS ORDINATION? . 10BENEFITS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORDINATION . 11ORDINATION REQUIREMENTS . 11CERTIFICATES & TITLES BESTOWED . 12CLERGY IN GOOD STANDING STATUS . 13PROGRAM FEES . 14FINANCIAL AID . 14SCHOLARSHIPS . 14WORK STUDY POSITIONS . 14ACCREDITATION . 15PROGRAM LEADERSHIP . 15SEMINARY DEAN . 15THE INTERFAITH CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM FACULTY . 15CHI GUEST FACULTY . 17MORE ABOUT US . 173
Dear Prospective Student,StudentTestimonialsChI’s curriculum is unique, inthat students who areinterested in Interfaithordination not only read,reflect, and engage withliterature and liturgy from awide scope of faith traditions, italso insists upon first-handexperience. This Nice JewishGirl found herself genuflectingin embodied Muslim prayer,meditating with a Buddhistnun, kneeling in a Catholicmass, and sweating in a lodgewith a Lakota guide. Theinsistence upon empathy andthe invitation to compassionatesharing offered a clericalformation unlike anything Icould have imagined.—Rev. Jen BernsteinChI Interfaith MinisterOrdained 2014Thank for your interest in The Chaplaincy Institute.The Interfaith Chaplaincy Certificate Program is designed to inspire,nurture and educate a new kind of leader: those who are called to guideand serve in an interfaith capacity. Many individuals enroll in this courseafter finding themselves at a crossroads – they come to ChI (our nicknamefor The Chaplaincy Institute) to satisfy a long-felt hunger to live moremeaningful, engaged lives. Others arrive feeling called to a specific area ofministerial leadership or spiritual service. Whether in traditional oremerging contexts, this program equips its graduates to engage with theindividuals and communities of our complex and changing world.Our innovative program focuses on a combination of the study of theworld’s religions, an exploration of mystical paths and teachings, as wellas developing skills for ministry and providing spiritual care. Weavingtogether multiple learning styles, art and field visits in the localcommunity, students immerse themselves in a deeply creative andnurturing environment to inquire, explore and grow who they are.Integral to spiritual formation and vocational preparation, ChI studentsare encouraged to retain and deepen their personal theologicalperspectives, while also expanding their capacity to serve the spirituallyand culturally dynamic world in which we live.Seminary – tending one’s own spiritual and ministerial formation - is anamazing process. Personal transformation is inevitable; and with growthand expansion can come periods of discomfort and unrest, as wellnewfound elation and healing. ChI intends to be a safe and bravecontainer for interfaith seminarians to question, wrestle with, and arriveat new points of understanding and integration. Our goal is to offer acomplete and well-rounded experience that prepares our graduates tolead and serve in whatever capacities they are called.Those completing the Interfaith Chaplaincy Certificate program areacademically eligible to be ordination candidates with The ChI InterfaithCommunity. While many ChI Seminary graduates pursue the path tointerfaith ordination, it must be noted that ordination and/or full boardcertification as a professional chaplain, are separate processes withadditional requirements and/or credentialing. As a ChI seminarian,interfaith ordination and/or professional board certification should not bepresumed or considered foregone conclusions.I am excited to see you in our circle one day, should it be your right path!Many blessings,Rev. Katrina Leathers, M.A., Seminary Dean4
Core CurriculumThe ChI curriculum provides students with a comprehensive, integrated, interfaith, and appliedtheology education. Self-care practices are incorporated throughout, as fundamental learning forall individuals called to caring professions.Our curriculum has its roots in, and speaks to, the universal language of the psyche and soul of allhuman beings. Designed to address the evolving spiritual needs reflected in our communities andlarger society, each course syllabus undergoes annual review, adapting and changing for relevanceand usefulness.Five Threads comprise the curriculum and establish the Core Competencies for MinisterialFormation. They inform the classroom learning objectives, homework assignments andindependent study requirements, and prepare and then measure each seminarian’s readiness forgraduation.The Five Threads of Interfaith Chaplaincy StudiesInterfaith WisdomEngage with the world’s knowledge, beliefs, traditions and practice. World Religions & Perspectives: Understanding world traditions, exploring culture andpractices, cultivating mystical awareness Contextual Education & Immersion: Personally engaging spiritual and cultural traditions,inter-religious dialogue and hospitality Theological Literacy: Understanding faith and the Interfaith movement, engaging sacredtexts, exploring personal and Interfaith theologySpiritual PsychologyDeepen understanding of self and psyche Psycho-spiritual development Strengthening the container of self for health in ministry DreamworkSpiritual Leadership & DevelopmentDefine, express and embody one’s personal connection to Spirit Personal Transformation & Self-care: Deepening spiritual practice, personal inquiry andreflection Leadership & Communication Skills: Developing inspired teaching, speaking and facilitationskills Arts for Awakening: Engaging transformative artistic practices in visual arts, music, andmovement as pathways to the Divine5
Interfaith Ministry & ServiceExplore spiritual care practices for individuals and communities Spiritual Care: Developing practical, inclusive spiritual care and ministry skills, prayer,spiritual care theology, and personal competence in deep listening, presence andcompassion Public Speaking & Ceremonial Ministry: Understanding ceremonial rites & elements ofInterfaith worship Prophetic Voice & Social Transformation: understanding the power of moral authority, andhow it can be utilized to serve, advocate for and ally with those deemed outside thedominant culture.Vocational FormationDesign and practice your unique path to service or ministry Supervised Practicum: Integration and application of core competencies Calling & Discernment: Exploring how your gifts, growing edges, vocational experiences andinner guidance interweave to form your way of ministering to the worldCore Competencies for Ministerial FormationIf a student is called to pursue the path to ordination, there are Core Competencies for Ministry thathave been identified by The ChI Interfaith Community that guide the process. These guidelinesprovide direction for each minister’s ongoing personal and professional development and fall intothe following categories: Formative TheologyMissional TheologyCritical TheologySpiritual PsychologyPersonal Transformation & Self CareCommunication Skills & PublicPresentation Leadership & Ministerial DemeanorArts for AwakeningSpiritual CarePublic Speaking & Ceremonial MinistryProphetic Voice & Social Transformation Vocational FormationProgram StructureOur program features hybrid distance learning with intensive courses currently held virtually inorder to serve students from near and far, and two residential learning retreats during the course ofeach student’s program. Our goal is to join the best features of Zoom classroom teaching withindependent learning on Moodle plus in-person retreats for experiential learning and practice. TheChaplaincy Program includes substantial at-home learning through independent study in your owntime. Ordination and endorsement may require one additional visit to Berkeley for ordination6
retreat and ceremony.Live Remote instructionStudents attend intensive courses on Moodle and Zoom that focus on one particular aspect ofinterfaith ministry within our curriculum threads and Core Competencies. During each course, ateam of core and guest faculty guides students in an integral learning experience, incorporatingtheological, academic, creative and experiential elements. Class content may include didactic andexperiential, theological and psychological, artistic and reflective modalities. Depending on thefocus topic of a course, each offers different opportunities to explore, consider, discuss, or practicebut all contain elements of ministry, chaplaincy and spiritual care skill-building.Residential Learning RetreatsTwice in the course of their program, each student will attend an intensive in person retreat in aretreat center in California. Retreats are four days long and held in the spring and late fall. In theseretreats, students engage in full days of experiential and interactive learning, spiritual practices andsmall group meetings. The retreats will be attended toward the beginning and midle of eachstudent’s coursework, depending on the details of attendance plans.Course Timing & FrequencyIn order to graduate, all students must complete the ten (10) required courses plus 3.5 or 4 credithours of electives. The required courses have a flexible sequence that is mandatory, but still allowsthe flexibility in timing of attendance. Sometimes a student has attended an Open Course beforeenrolling in the Chaplaincy Program in which case they should take the Four Foundational coursesbefore subsequent courses. All requirements must be completed to be considered for ordination.Required reading, reflection papers, prepared presentations and expressive arts projects as well asfocus-topic classes on Moodle are done in the two months before the Zoom course dates. All workmust be done prior to the course days on Zoom.Students have up to three years to complete the coursework. While it may seem technicallypossible to complete the program in one year, a more realistic timeframe is 18 months at minimum.A two-year process or more allows for greater continuity and a deeper engagement with both thematerial and with The ChI Community and thus is recommended.Cohort ParticipationStudents meet with a small group of peers, 5 - 7 students who began the program in the sametimeframe, led by an advisor or faculty member. These cohorts are required and meet twice amonth throughout the student’s time in the program.7
Independent studyIn addition to in-person retreats and online courses, students work independently on requirementsthat include:Work with a Spiritual DirectorEach student is required to complete once-monthly Spiritual Direction sessions with anapproved director, to commence after the student’s first class, and completing a minimumof 1 session per month for every month prior to graduation (or ordination), unlessotherwise agreed upon between the student and ChI. [Note: Minimally this means 15sessions, typically closer to 22.]Commitment to a personal spiritual practice and participation in a spiritualcommunityThe options for a personal spiritual practice are multiple and flexible. Examples includeattendance at a weekly worship service, daily meditation, prayer based on a primary faithtradition, yoga, art or journaling, and so on. Practice should be discussed and tended inspiritual direction as well as in the Core Competencies Self-Assessment review.Students are also expected to participate in the life and activities of their primary spiritualcommunity. The community may be your long-standing religious home but may as easilybe a 12-Step group, church, temple, zendo, mosque, ashram or other community withwhich you share spiritual values or practices.Visit spiritual centersEach Chaplaincy Program student is expected to visit and experience worship or practiceat a variety of spiritual centers of diverse faiths or traditions in their local community. Theintent of this contextual learning requirement is to have the student engage with differentfaith traditions/expressions of spirituality beyond just observation (and, especially, toavoid "spiritual tourism.") Site visit are meant to include both personal immersion in thetraditions and contextual/cultural examination.Take on a secondary traditionThe student will pick a secondary tradition, beyond their personal spiritual home, to delveinto more deeply and find a mentor to give guidance in that tradition. This secondarytradition should be explored formally for at least 6 months through regular study andpractice.Complete the Core Competencies Assessment *Students are required to complete a written self-reflection assessment and assessmentinterview, which are to be completed near the end of their program.8
Complete a practicum *Contextual learning gives each student the opportunity to integrate theological conceptsand intellectual constructs into the flow of lived experience. Students are required tocomplete a 200-hour-supervised practicum (400 hours for those wishing to be ordained) inan area of interest relating to their desired focus of ministry or spiritual care.This is where each student can test their wings and begin to grow their ministry within thesupportive structure of our learning community. Choices for the practicum are very broadand decided by the student with support from ChI advisors.*Students pursuing ordination will have additional requirements for these elements, furtherdetailed in the Ordination Requirements section of this catalog.Requirements SummaryInterfaith Chaplaincy (IC) Certificate Program requirements for Certificate and Ordination includes:CertificateIn-person instruction:10 Required Courses & Assignments3.5 - 4 Credit Hours of ElectivesIndependent study:Spiritual Direction SessionsPersonal Spiritual Practice & CommunitySite VisitsSecondary TraditionCore Competencies AssessmentCertificate Ordination 9
Practicum200 hoursOrdination Preparation:Ordination ConsultationVocational AssessmentOrdination CohortOrdination RetreatOrdination Ceremony400 hours Ordination“Through the stairway of existence we have cometo God's Door.” —HafizWhat is Ordination?Ordination is a process in which a religious community designates specific individuals as clergy withthe intent that they will minister to the spiritual needs of others in the name of and on behalf of thecommunity. Individuals usually first have an internal sense of a calling to ministry, which is thenvalidated externally by a religious community through the ordination process. The ChI InterfaithCommunity views ordination as a once in a lifetime event.The pathway to ordination is both sacred and deliberative. Religious bodies, including The ChIInterfaith Community, ensure that candidates for ordination are carefully prepared and examinedbefore ordaining them as clergy. The ChI Interfaith Community includes clergy, representing manyfaith traditions, who believe the model of interfaith spiritual life is essential for our world today.Ordination is bestowed on behalf of The ChI Interfaith Community through the lineage of thesepreviously ordained clergy.The ChI Interfaith Community ordains individuals who demonstrate a: Sense of vocation or calling to ordained interfaith ministry Commitment to their own ongoing spiritual and psychological development Firm grasp of the beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions Readiness for ministry, which includes the embodiment of Core Competencies of Ministryidentified by The ChI Interfaith Community10
Benefits & Responsibilities of OrdinationOrdained Interfaith ministers have the same legal standing as ministers of any faith tradition. Theymay perform rituals and ceremonies as professional clergy, including marriages, blessings andcelebrations, and memorials, as well as providing pastoral care. By remaining Clergy in GoodStanding with their ordaining religious body, they also fulfill a key requirement to be board certifiedchaplains.ChI’s ordained interfaith ministers also have responsibilities. ChI’s clergy are bound to the covenantof the vows that they take at the time of ordination and are also expected to adhere to The CommonCode of Ethics for Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Pastoral Educators and Students. Ordainedministers represent ChI’s Interfaith Community and are responsible to ChI as an institution, to fellowordained clergy, and to those served as one continues to adhere to these standards, principles, andideals.Ordained interfaith ministers have the support and backing of ChI’s Interfaith Community, which iscommitted to clergy’s ongoing growth and development. Fellow clergy, individually and collectively,are a source of spiritual encouragement, camaraderie, ministerial resources and countless years ofwisdom gained through personal and professional experience.Ordination RequirementsIn addition to completion of all academic requirements, the Interfaith Chaplaincy CertificateProgram provides instruction to assist seminary students in their vocational formation for ministry,through a separate but parallel process that takes place for those called to interfaith ordination.This process is designed to help ordination candidates discern their call to spiritual leadership andministry and is conducted by The ChI Interfaith Community.Additional requirements for ordination candidates include:Additional Practicum hoursOrdination candidates are required to complete 400 hours of practicum, or the equivalent of1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). This requirement is instead of the 200 hoursrequired for Certificate students.Vocational AssessmentA requirement of most seminaries, this collaborative process provides valuable insight intoone’s vocational calling, psychological health, and readiness for interfaith ministry orchaplaincy. It provides an opportunity for seminary students to engage in a self-reflectiveprocess that can help them identify their learning edges and evolve as human beings and as11
ministers-in-training while still in the supportive setting of the ChI Seminary and ChIInterfaith Community.Core Competencies’ AssessmentThrough this process the student will assess their own mastery of the Core Competencies forMinistry through a written process of deep reflection. A committee composed of ChI’sCommunity Minister, a Core Faculty member and a member of ChI’s Ordained Clergy willmeet with the student to discuss the Core Competencies Self-Assessment paper submitted.Afterward, this same committee will assess the student’s readiness for ordination and eitherapprove for ordination or provide additional steps to complete to prepare for ordination.Ordination CohortThe purpose of the ordination cohort is to give and receive support on the path to ordination.Students join a cohort that will meet together in the months before an ordination ceremonyin order to clarify each candidate’s sense of calling to ordained ministry, discuss aspects ofthe ordination process, and plan together aspects of the ceremony.Ordination RetreatThe retreat takes place during the week of ordination, at the same time the usual monthlymodule is being held. All ordinands are expected to participate in the full retreat. Thespiritual purpose is to enter into a sacred space where ordinands prepare themselvesinternally for ordination as they reflect on what it means for them to be an Interfaith Minister.The practical aspect of the retreat is that it includes time to practice and receive feedback onordination vows and sermons, and to rehearse the ceremony and logistical aspects.Certificates & Titles BestowedAll graduates of the Interfaith Chaplaincy Certificate Program receive a Certificate of Completionfrom The Chaplaincy Institute. All students who successfully complete the Certificate Program alsoreceive an official transcript from The Chaplaincy Institute, which lists the student’s program startdate and graduation date and assigns a passing grade for all academic requirements. The ChISeminary bestows Certificates of Completion and issues transcripts.The ChI Interfaith Community bestows Interfaith Ordination and Clergy In Good Standing status.All clergy ordained by The ChI Interfaith Community are entitled to adopt and use the followingtitles:12
Reverend Chaplain Interfaith MinisterClergy in Good Standing StatusClergy in Good Standing status means that you aredemonstrating to the satisfaction of your religiouscommunity (ChI) an ongoing commitment to yourpersonal wellbeing/self-care, your spiritual andpsychological development, your professional growth, ethical conduct and the sustainability ofyour religious community (ChI).ChI seminarians who successfully complete The ChI Interfaith Community’s process for ordinationare considered Clergy in Good Standing, which is required for board certification as a professionalchaplain and may be required by employers. Clergy in Good Standing must renew annually.Application ProcessPREREQUISITEA Bachelor’s degree is required, in most cases. We recognize that many people have engaged in lifeand learning experiences in a variety of contexts that can develop knowledge and abilities thatequal a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree can apply for an educationequivalency/life experience waiver of this requirement, by completing a Bachelor’s DegreePrerequisite Waiver Request, available from our office.APPLY ANYTIME!A written application, transcript, professional resume or CV and three letters of recommendationare required.There is no deadline to apply for this program. The same cycle of courses is repeated each calendaryear, so students can apply and attend in a schedule pattern that is best suited to their ownsituation.WHEN TO APPLYPlan to have application materials in no later than 3 months prior to the date of the first session youplan to attend.Application materials can be requested from and returned to: [email protected]
APPLICATION INTERVIEWSWe review applications in the order we receive them, within 2 weeks. Once reviewed, we willcontact you to schedule a 60 minute interview in Zoom with Dean Rev. Katrina Leathers.ACCEPTANCEIf accepted into the program, students will receive an acceptance letter and all that is necessary toget started. Plan on one to two months’ time to prepare for the first module (administrative forms,student handbook, orientation, course readings and other homework assignments).Program FeesFor a description of Fees, visit the website at incy-program-fees/Financial AidScholarshipsWe are committed to making our interfaith educationprograms accessible to all qualified applicants, as we are ableto. In this spirit, ChI offers partial scholarships to eligibleapplicants as funds are available.Work Study PositionsThe Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) is committed to making our courses accessible to all qualifiedapplicants. In this spirit, ChI offers a limited number of work study positions to provide partialassistance with program fees to students who are enrolled in the Interfaith Spiritual DirectionCertificate Program.The most important factors that are considered when determining work study awards are astudent’s financial need, matching of specific skill sets to organizational needs, and student’sability and commitment to keeping a regular work schedule that we can count on and manage to.Work Study awards are applied to Program Fees only and should not be requested to offsetexpenses associated with other program costs.14
Please ask for the Scholarship/Work Study application from Admissions.AccreditationSeminaries are accredited through The Association of Theological Seminaries (ATS) and/or theWestern Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Chaplaincy Institute is not an accreditedacademic institution and does not offer a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, so ChI would not showup in the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC)'s list of accredited schools but does appear asa recognized ordaining body.More InformationChI – Admissions at [email protected] or 510-843-1422.Program LeadershipSeminary DeanRev. Katrina Leathers, M.A., was ordained by ChI in 2012, and completed theInterfaith Spiritual Direction Certificate Program in 2013. Before joining theChI staff in 2015, she worked as a psychotherapist, youth chaplain andspiritual director. Her graduate degree was in Expressive Therapies fromLesley University in Cambridge, MA so she brings to ChI the integration ofcreativity, psychology and spirituality. Her spiritual home is Core Shamanism,and she trained with Michael Harner at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Her particularpassion is ministry and spiritual direction for those who identify as spiritual independents orspiritual-but-not-religious.The Interfaith Chaplaincy Program FacultyChI faculty help to expand students’ working language of interfaith studies and expresses the visionof interfaith dialogue and inquiry of ChI. They hold degrees from a number of seminaries andprogressive learning institutions, including Naropa University, seminaries within the GraduateTheological Union, Fuller Theological Seminary, the California Institute of Integral Studies and HolyNames University.Public Speaking & Ceremonial Ministry15
Pastor Jacqueline K. Duhart is a 2008 graduate of Starr King School for theMinistry. She served as the Interim Developmenta
Interfaith Chaplaincy Program Catalog 2021 - 2022 510-843-1422 ChIo
