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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.

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are welcome

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differences

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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

Doctor of Ministry with Chaplaincy Track at Emory’s Candler School of Theology: Online Info Session

Date: December 1, 2026

Candler School of Theology Doctor of Ministry hooding

Doctor of Ministry Program with Chaplaincy Track at Emory’s Candler School of Theology Online info session: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 8:00–9:00 PM Eastern Online/hybrid program Candler School of Theology at Emory University offers an online/hybrid Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree so you can benefit from the resources of a top 25 university while staying rooted…

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,…

Movement Dharma: Union’s New Buddhist Movement Chaplaincy Program

Date: December 5, 2026

Movement Dharma: A Program in Buddhist Movement Chaplaincy

Union Theological Seminary’s New Buddhist Movement Chaplaincy Program Launching December 5, 2026 Hosted by Union’s Buddhist Studies Program Priority application deadline: November 15 We are in need of spiritual political leaders and politicized spiritual teachers who can not only help us bear witness to suffering, but who can also provide transformative vision to help us…

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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