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 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

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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…

Charts Don’t Matter

Date: June 16, 2026

2026-06-16 FREE LI Square

Join the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab for a discussion of its recent work, supported by the Louisville Institute, on the promise and potential of greater dialogue between religious and non-religious communities.

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