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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 Project/Sacred Design Lab is fiscally sponsored by Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift may be tax-deductible pursuant to §170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please visit www.tides.org/state-nonprofit-disclosures for additional information.

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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

CHRYSALIS for professional well-being

Start date: June 15, 2026

End date: August 15, 2026

Are you feeling lonely? Burnt out? Longing for something more than just “self-care”? Join a free, empirically based personal and professional formation space for current religious leaders. Building on support groups offered in partnership with the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab during the pandemic, Boston University’s Danielsen Institute has developed an 8-week online program—with group and individual formats—that…

AI and Faith – Chaplaincy, Care & AI Symposium

Date: July 21, 2026

Join us for a half day of discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence, chaplaincy, and healthcare. As technology reshapes clinical environments, chaplaincy and spiritual care leaders have a unique opportunity to help guide how innovation is integrated with compassion, ethics, and human dignity. Experts will offer their critical insights into what is known about…

Mapping Spiritual Innovation amid Demographic Shifts

Date: August 5, 2026

2026-08-05 SQUARE Mapping
This Chaplaincy Innovation Lab webinar presents recent research mapping spiritual innovation efforts across the United States. Through semi-structured interviews with leaders of hundreds of spiritually innovative groups, the project examined how religious communities are reimagining their role amid the rise of so-called religious "nones"* and declining attendance at traditional religious services. The webinar identifies five…
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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