How does a chaplain comfort those who are in pain or are facing the end of their life? In this episode, Paul shares his perspective on giving compassionate care and spiritual support to medical patients in a hospital setting.

Whether you're considering a career in chaplaincy, or simply seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit, this conversation will leave you with a profound appreciation for those who bring solace and support during life's most vulnerable moments.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:25) Challenges of the job

(5:24) Chaplaincy self-care

(8:45) Chaplaincy vs. Traditional Pastoring / Paul's ministry background

(15:00) Caring for patients with a wide spectrum of worldviews

(18:20) What to say (and not say) to patients

(20:02) A chaplain's place in the medical environment

(22:10) Working with co-chaplains

(23:19) Experiences with patients dealing with pain

(25:14) Empathizing with a patient's perspective

(27:35) Importance of being self-aware as a chaplain

(29:42) Has this job made you happier? / Finding joy in the work of chaplaincy

(31:45) Do you ever have to deliver bad news?

(33:25) Tools used to overcome obstacles of the job

(34:47) Offering hope to others

(36:34) Is physical touch part of the job?

(39:17) Advice for young people considering chaplaincy or other care professions

(42:02) How has being a chaplain changed your life?

(44:00) The importance of simply being with patients

(45:13) Books that have helped Paul

(48:34) Confronting your own wounds in order to minister to others

(50:40) Advice for figuring out what to do for a living