Chaplaincy as "Doing" vs "Being"

The debate about chaplaincy as "being" versus "doing" is an exploration of the nature of spiritual care and the roles that chaplains fulfill in various contexts, such as hospitals, prisons, military units, or educational institutions. It's a discussion about the balance between the practical, task-oriented aspects of chaplaincy (doing) and the more existential, relational elements (being).

The "doing" approach implies that chaplaincy is about performing certain tasks or functions such as conducting religious services, providing counseling, facilitating prayer or meditation, offering moral guidance and support, or acting as a liaison between patients and medical staff or between inmates and prison staff, for example. This is an essential part of the role, as it involves tangible actions that meet the needs of those being served.

However, critics of the "doing" approach argue that it can lead to a transactional view of chaplaincy, where the focus is on ticking off boxes and meeting KPIs(key performance indicator), rather than genuinely caring for the person. This risks reducing chaplaincy to a set of functions or services, which can be dehumanizing and may fail to meet the deeper spiritual needs of individuals.

The "being" approach, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of presence, listening, and relationship-building in chaplaincy. It suggests that the most important part of a chaplain's role is to be there for people in their time of need, offering a compassionate and empathetic presence. In this view, the essence of chaplaincy is not about what chaplains do, but who they are and how they relate to others. In other words, a chaplain journeys with patients and be a calming presence in the faces of storms one is facing.

Critics of this approach, however, argue that it can be overly vague and passive. It's more difficult to measure or quantify than the "doing" aspect, which can make it more challenging to demonstrate the value of chaplaincy to stakeholders. Also, while being present and empathetic is important, individuals often need practical support and concrete actions, which the "being" approach might neglect.

In reality, effective chaplaincy probably requires a balance of "being" and "doing." Chaplains need to perform certain tasks and offer certain services, but they also need to be present, empathetic, and relational. The key is to ensure that the "doing" doesn't overshadow the "being," and that chaplains remain focused on the individuals they are serving, rather than just the tasks they are performing. Put it differently, chaplaincy is not about one key fits all, rather creating space for different skills sets that balances and innovates to serve the best possible care.