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Sparking Practical Innovation in Spiritual Care

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The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab (CIL) launched in October 2018 to bring chaplains, theological educators, clinical educators and social scientists into conversation about the work of chaplaincy and spiritual care.

As religious and spiritual life continues to change, the CIL sparks practical innovations that enable chaplains to nurture the spirits of those they serve and reduce human suffering. Our work is shaped by four central commitments maintained by all who are connected to CIL. Learn more about our principles here.

Chaplaincy Innovation Lab is housed at Sacred Design Lab, a project of Tides Center.

We value
learning together

All
are welcome

We respect
differences

We are
research-driven

Chaplaincy webinars

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chaplains ebooks

Professional Growth

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What people are saying

Appreciation

Webinar attendee, "Caring for the Caregiver Town Hall"

I am appreciative of your service to the chaplaincy community.

Timely

Webinar attendee, "International education"

CIL is a timely, compassionate resource. Thank you for sharing wisdom, experiences, questions, and challenges.”

Practical

Webinar attendee, "Staff care and ritual"

It was so practical; I have already shared content with my manager.

Appreciative

Webinar attendee, "Spiritual care of the non-communicative"

I so appreciate this organization and its educational resources!

Sacred Work

M.

Thank you for the sacred work you do.

Incredible Webinar

A. B.

I just wanted to thank you for making this incredible webinar available. That hour gave me a sacred space of hope that also allowed for tears. I carry the insights and spirit of that hour with me and share it with others. I am so very grateful for the work all of you do.

Useful and Informative

K. A.

One of the most useful and informative panel discussions that I have ever listened to.

Heart-centered

A. A.

Impressive to see such heart-centered professionals speak about the needs of this time.

Feeling More Connected

C. N.

I appreciate feeling more connected with others around the country.

Bright Spot

J. M.

CIL resources have truly been a bright spot in these dark times.

Upcoming Webinars

Spiritual Care for Those with Dementia

Date: November 6, 2025

Join the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and chaplain Lynn Casteel Harper for a conversation on providing spiritual care for those with dementia and other cognitive diagnoses.

Navigating Climate Spiritual Care: A Learning Community

Start date: November 10, 2025

End date: April 6, 2026

We are living in times of intersecting calamities, with the climate crisis adding increased instability, uncertainty, and suffering to systemic injustices including racism, inadequate healthcare, poverty, disenfranchisement, homelessness, war, the oppression of LGBTQIA+ communities — and more. No longer can those of us who offer spiritual care avoid the impacts of the climate crisis and…

[External] The 2026 Sankofa CPE Clergy and Chaplains’ Mental Wellness Conference

Start date: April 21, 2026

End date: April 24, 2026

Sankofa conference 2 SQUARE

The 2026 Sankofa CPE Clergy and Chaplains’ Mental Wellness Conference   Chicago, IL April 21-4  

See all Webinars

eBooks, Resources, & Inspiration for Chaplains!

The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab offers subscribers eBooks on a growing variety of topics. If there are topics or ideas you’d like to see explored in an eBook, please reach out. All of these eBooks are created by Lab staff, partners, supporters, and experts in their field. Get yours HERE!

chaplains eBook collage 5 samples