Date

9-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jackie Thayer Craft

Keywords

Humanistic support, Meaning-Making, Paradigm Shift, Role Theory, Chaplaincy, Hospital Chaplains, Christian Chaplains, Chaplain Training, Compassion, Empathy, non-religions, secular, religious nones, diversity, cultural competence, worldview, inclusive care, spiritual care needs and support, faith tradition, multifaceted supportive care, evolving roles, active listening, religious care needs

Disciplines

Christianity | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this heuristic phenomenological study was to explore how faith-based hospital chaplains negotiate their professional identity while serving non-religious clients. As hospital chaplaincy expands beyond traditional religious care, chaplains are increasingly expected to support the holistic well-being of patients from diverse religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds. Guided by humanistic theory, role theory, and theory of meaning, this study examined how chaplains understand and fulfill their professional roles. Role theory informed the exploration of expectations placed on chaplains, while theory of meaning provided a framework for understanding how chaplains support patients’ meaning-making processes regardless of religious affiliation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams with 10 board-certified Christian hospital chaplains. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’ six-phase heuristic phenomenological approach, with NVivo software supporting coding and theme development. Thematic analysis identified recurring patterns illustrating how chaplains are reframing their roles and redefining inclusive spiritual care. Four major themes emerged, reflecting new ways of connecting with patients through empathy, cultural competence, understanding, and relational presence. Findings revealed that chaplains balance their faith traditions with inclusive care practices that meet the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The study provided insight into the evolving nature of chaplaincy within contemporary healthcare systems and highlighted the importance of expanding care beyond religious traditions to include compassion, cultural sensitivity, and meaning-centered support. Recommendations included enhanced chaplaincy training and updated organizational policies that promote culturally responsive and inclusive spiritual care while honoring the diverse beliefs and values of patients.

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