#59 | A World in Need: The Evolving Role of Chaplains with Rev. Malu Fairley-Collins & Diane Morris
Welcome to the "How We Change the World" podcast! In this episode, Deborah interviews Rev. Malu Fairley-Collins, an ordained minister at Alliance of Baptists and a board-certified chaplain since 2012. Malu also serves as a chaplain trainer at Sankofa CPE Center, LLC, where they educate our second guest, Diane Morris, a Licensed Social Worker and chaplain in training.
Malu and Diane delve into the evolving role of chaplains in providing support during challenging times in people's lives. They discuss how the field is adapting to meet the needs of a fast-changing population, with an increasing number of individuals seeking spiritual care over religious guidance. The conversation highlights the diverse settings where chaplains practice, including hospitals, hospices, prisons, military, airports, corporations, and schools.
Malu shares insights from their experience working as a chaplain in emergency rooms and trauma centers, emphasizing the importance of providing care not only to patients but also to healthcare professionals facing intense human suffering.
The conversation also addresses the ongoing need for chaplains, particularly in addressing moral injury and supporting individuals affected by poverty. Malu and Diane encourage listeners to consider pursuing chaplaincy training, stressing the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's biases in providing compassionate care.
Chaplaincy training requires significant dedication and effort, with both Malu and Diane holding Master's degrees in Divinity and undergoing extensive training to develop the necessary competencies. Diane is currently experiencing in-person training programs under Malu's guidance, highlighting the rigorous path to becoming a certified chaplain.
Both guests share examples of how they've made a difference as chaplains and emphasize the importance of presence and a steady hand in their work. They must exude peace and calm when dealing with clients facing life's most difficult moments.
The episode concludes with recognition of the valuable work chaplains do and recommendations for additional resources for those interested in chaplaincy.
