Sparking Practical Innovation in Spiritual Care

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

What people are saying

Upcoming Webinars

[External] 2025 Of Many Summer Institute

Start date: June 10, 2025

End date: June 13, 2025

SQUARE Of Many Summer Institute

Summer Institute 2025 Interfaith Cooperation in Higher Education: Reframing today’s campus Tuesday, June 10 – Friday, June 13

Spiritual Care Specialist, Social Work Savvy: What a Social Work Education Brings to Chaplaincy

Date: June 18, 2025

2025-06-18 SQUARE social work

How does the education of social workers and that of chaplains inform each other? Where do these roles overlap and differentiate? What might it look like to navigate these questions in an interdisciplinary setting?

Religious Diversity and University Chaplaincy: A Conversation with Author Rev. Dr. Gregory McGonigle

Date: June 25, 2025

2025-06-25 SQUARE McGonigle

Join the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and Rev. Dr. Gregory McGonigle for a discussion of his book, Religious Diversity and University Chaplaincy: Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Humanist Chaplaincy in Higher Education (Wipf and Stock, 2024). From the publisher:

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