At the Order of Hildegard, a Community Chaplain isn't defined by a single vocation or spiritual path. They might be an artist, a teacher, a food service worker, a home-based parent, an activist, a midwife, a pastor, or something else entirely. What makes someone a Community Chaplain isn't the day job. It's the training, and the posture they bring to other people's spiritual lives.
Many of our chaplains come to this work already carrying their own marginalization or disillusionment with traditional religious systems. That's not incidental, it's often exactly what makes them trustworthy companions for others moving through the same thing; it's presence offered from having lived it.
Our training is rooted in Viriditas — Hildegard's vision of a greening, life-giving vitality, and built around four guiding themes:
This framework outlines the 12 core skills and essentials of the Order of Hildegard model for community chaplaincy, drawing on Hildegard's vision of harmony within creation.
Chaplains build the capacity for vital relationship with self, others, and the wider community. Healthy chaplaincy is both skill-building, and the cultivation of spiritual vitality that lets others flourish. When our chaplains integrate these capacities, viriditas flows through the life of the community.
You will want to prioritize the live meetings, which occur at varied times, chosen by polls. We learn together. This is how we develop a non-authoritarian, consent-driven ethic. The program is 2 years, 2-4 hours a week on average.
The initial cohorts are meant for those who like the idea of being a part of a growing organization and are willing to be more flexible with a developing process, while among the early leadership of the community, if they choose that path.
You can work full-time and easily complete the program. Some nights and weekends will be necessary as well as some independent work.
Upon completion, you may choose to apply for ordination in person at our Greening Conference or virtually. Ordained Chaplains in good standing must continue to support the organization through manageable membership and/or volunteerism and participate in community life. You may alternatively choose a Community Chaplaincy Certificate with or without ongoing affiliation.
If you are interested, fill out the application to hold a spot early and we will respond promptly.
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