LE3 .A278 2001

2001

Irvine, Andrew

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

This research assesses the need of the Regular Force chaplains of the Canadian Armed Forces for a professional development program that suited their unique calling to ministry within the demands of the military context. The process includes an historical outline of Canadian military chaplaincy up to the present. An investigation into the nature of professions and related adult education theory follows. A study of the theological and biblical basis of ministry establishes the validity of chaplain professional development. The needs assessment is accomplished by a questionnaire distributed to all Regular Force chaplains. The respondents provide insight into the desire for professional development and the preferences for general areas of study and program delivery. The findings firmly establish an interest in long-term professional development that can be pursued during a chaplain's active service. High demands on a chaplain's time and frequent occasions of deployment and training were established as a main impediment for many chaplains to actively engage in out-service professional development. Finally, a design is proposed for continuing chaplain professional development that integrates the required military professional training with academic and applied opportunities of study from civilian university resources. The program outlines a layered approach that offers chaplains progressive levels of participation. A chaplain may choose to audit courses or study towards credit in certificate or advanced degree programs.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2984