Practising the Ministry of Presence in Chaplaincy

Abstract

Drawing on the work of Martin Buber, Miroslav Volf, Parker Palmer, Walter Bruggemann and Simone Weil, this article explores some of the features of the ministry of presence exercised by chaplains. It builds on the concept, definitions and theological underpinnings of the author's previous paper (Journal of Christian Education, 52, 1, May 2009, 7–22). It argues that the ministry of presence is one means by which chaplains collaborate with God to complete creation. It is a process in which chaplains assist the personal awareness, growth, and understanding of the other person.

Keywords

chaplains co-creation embrace presence Walter Bruggemann Martin Buber Miroslav Volf

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