Search site...

Sparking Practical Innovation in Spiritual Care

Subscribe to the Lab here!

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.

We value
learning together

All
are welcome

We respect
differences

We are
research-driven

Chaplaincy webinars

Meet The Experts

chaplains ebooks

Professional Growth

Chaplains get discounts

Join The Community

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

Ethics Training: HEC-C Certification

Start date: June 1, 2026

End date: September 10, 2026

Strengthen your impact as a healthcare ethics consultant by earning the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (tag) Healthcare Ethics Consultant-Certified (HEC-C) Credential! Serving as the only certification of its kind, the HEC-C exam supports your day-to-day work, improving quality of care and patient outcomes.

Climate Chaplaincy Study Forum

Start date: September 15, 2026

End date: June 8, 2027

BTS 600sq

Something new is taking root at the edges of chaplaincy and the climate crisis. The Climate Chaplaincy Study Forum is a gathering place for those doing the tender, necessary work of accompanying people through a world changing faster than we know how to hold.

Inner Sanctuary Institute Level 1 IFS Based Clergy Training

Start date: November 9, 2026

End date: February 12, 2027

Inner Sanctuary Institute logo 400sq

Inner Sanctuary Institute Level 1 is an intensive 120-hour hybrid (2 weeks online, 1 in Person) training for clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, and other spiritual care providers who want to integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into their ministry and caregiving practice.

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