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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 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

Chaplaincy webinars

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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

Conversation Circles in a Climate-Changed World

Start date: February 3, 2026

End date: July 8, 2026

Conversation Circles February – July 2026 • 2 sets of time/date available Spiritual care providers are on the forefront of care at a time when we need it deeply. And so we invite you to a profound and generative community of spiritual care professionals. We've received very favorable feedback from past Chaplaincy Conversation Circles participants, so we’re…

How To Be A Living Thing

Date: February 25, 2026

CHAPLAINCY Feb25 2026 400×400 (1)

Join the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and New York Times bestselling author Mari Andrew for a discussion of her most recent book, How To Be A Living Thing: Meditations on Intuitive Oysters, Hopeful Doves, and Being Human in the World (Penguin Random House, 2025). Andrew will also discuss her career as a chaplain and how chaplains…

[Partner Event] Science on Spiritual Health Symposium 2026

Date: March 25, 2026

Keynote Speakers and Featured Presentation George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, Professor in the Department of Religion, Health & Human Values, Rush University Medical Center, whose pioneering work explores spiritual care interventions and integrative approaches to patient well-being. Boris Heifets, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford Medicine, internationally recognized for his…
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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