An Exploration of Chaplaincy Issues in the Adventist Church in Africa and the Way Forward

Abstract

Chaplaincy is a specialized ministry. In contrast to the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists, chaplaincy is still evolving in the Seventh-day Adventist Divisions in Africa. This study explores chaplaincy issues and the way forward in the Seventh-day Adventist Divisions in Africa. As indicated by the literature reviewed, personal experience, and observations, and the results of the pilot study conducted, the issues currently confronting chaplaincy in Seventh-day Adventist Divisions in Africa include insufficient awareness of the essence of chaplaincy among church leaders, a shortage of professional chaplains, and tensions regarding chaplains’ contributions to the Great Commission. Furthermore, the study identified the following as the path forward for the growth of chaplaincy in the Seventh-day Adventist Divisions in Africa: Educating leaders to gain a better understanding of the essence of chaplaincy, investing in the workforce, and creating awareness of the contributions of chaplains to the Great Commission. It is hoped that the findings of this study will enhance chaplaincy growth in the Seventh-day Adventist Divisions in Africa.