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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.

The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab is fiscally sponsored by Commonweal, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We value
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are welcome

We respect
differences

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research-driven

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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 and Mental Health: What Every Chaplain Should Know

Date: November 10, 2026

2026-11-10 SQUARE Zollfrank
This lecture will launch the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab's short course in mental health chaplaincy, and will be of interest both to chaplains who may currently serve patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health comorbidities, and chaplains interested in serving in more intensive mental health contexts. Rev. Zollfrank will cover topics including, but not limited to: Mental…

Foundations in Spiritual Midwifery

Start date: December 1, 2026

End date: December 22, 2026

Institute for Spiritual Midwifery logo

A Four-Session Online Course with Chaplain Stephen Faller Tuesdays, December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2026 8:00–9:30 PM Eastern | Live on Zoom Tuition: $150 for the complete series Spiritual Midwifery is a disciplined way of helping another person bring forth the meaning already stirring within them. Rather than beginning with answers, interpretations, or solutions,…

Chaplaincy Departments and Patient Experience Scores

Date: December 10, 2026

2026-12-10-SQUARE-White

Join the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and Professor Kelsey White of Virginia Commonwealth University to discuss the research project and article “The Impact of Chaplaincy Departments on Hospital Patient Experience Scores.” The article found, among other things, that “Hospitals with chaplaincy departments reported higher HCAHPS global ratings and higher ratings of patients likely to recommend the…

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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