No 144 - Professionalism

How should Health Care Chaplaincy negotiate its Professional Identity?

Chris Swift

Abstract: The question of chaplains' professional status within health care has become a pressing issue in recent years. A combination of factors, including greater religious diversity and NHS modernisation, has served to put pressure on chaplains to account more clearly for their activities and impact. Changes outside the health service - including the 1998 Data Protection Act - have further added doubt to the suggestion that chaplains are a health profession. In an atmosphere of conflicting signals and statements I will draw on the work of Michel Foucault to generate an alternative account of current difficulties, and point towards an urgent need for theological re-engagement.

The Professionalisation of Voluntary Activity

John Reader

Abstract:   In this article I examine recent developments in church-based voluntary activity and suggest that its growing professionalisation, stemming from cultural and political changes of the last 25 years, creates tensions with the ideals of Christian involvement in caring for others. Taking example from the Housing Association movement, school governors and a voluntary project for homeless young people, I argue that there is a danger of colluding with reductionist understandings of what it is to be human which may conflict with both the notion of unconditional hospitality and a messianic dimension of human subjectivity. However, if Christians are to retain their public credibility and maintain a role within welfare provision they need to be aware of these tensions while not abandoning their commitment to voluntary action. Holding on to the messianic interpretation of identity is crucial for this engagement.

The Social Construction of the Ministry Student

Tony Berry

Abstract: Formation for ministry is partly predicated upon  ministry as an all encompassing and distinct professional identity. Students that come to ministry training in mid-life may already have both an established Christian identity and an established professional identity. Through a micro event the tensions between these three positions are made visible. Some implications arise for the conduct and processes of ministry training of mid-life adults.

Reach High: Christian Professionalism in Counselling

Nick Wright

Abstract: In spite of some scepticism about how well Christian faith can be understood as consistent with professional culture, there are dimensions of professionalism that are consistent with biblical values. Christian professionalism can enhance our work with hurting people and the wider counselling profession - if we hold onto our distinctive beliefs, aims and values. This article will explore the meaning of Christian professionalism in a counselling context and describe its characteristics and practice implications using a 'six-pillar' model.

Response to Reach High: Christian Professionalism in Counselling

John Foskett and Christa Friend

Abstract: This article is a response to Nick Wright's article above. We write from a different Christian theological tradition equally concerned about the growth of professionalism in care and counselling. We explore the roots of 'professionalism' in the word 'to profess' and in acts of faith. We use a different, organic metaphor to address both the principles and the foundations which support effective pastoral care and counselling. We argue for the importance of self knowledge and of the clients point of view, experience and assessment as essential to effective and professional pastoral work. We recognise that professionalism can be a kind of idolatory, which seduces pastors as well as secular counsellors.