Master of Chaplaincy

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A compassionate care ministry: To seek like Jesus sought and to care as Jesus cared.

About the Programme

The Master of Chaplaincy (MChap) programme provides essential postgraduate professional preparation for chaplaincy ministries with broad exposure to other fields of theological study. The programme is intended for men and women who already have an undergraduate background in ministerial studies but desire to obtain the basic and specialized preparation needed to become professional chaplains.

Master of Chaplaincy degree is for ministers desiring clinical training and professional preparedness to serve men and women in educational institutions, Church departments, healthcare centres, uniformed services, correctional facilities. 

What You May Become?

  • A proficient and compassionate chaplain
  • A servant leader
  • An effective minister in various institutional contexts
  • One that offers ministry-of-presence

Specializations

  • Campus Chaplaincy
  • Correctional Chaplaincy
  • Military Chaplaincy
  • Healthcare Chaplaincy

Duration of the Programme

  • Full Time – Two Years
  • Part-Time – Three Years

  1. Have a bachelor’s degree in Theology/Religion with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent grade of 60%. Applicants with a CGPA of 2.5 to 2.99 or 55% to 59% may be accepted on probation.
  2. Have two Recommendations: One from the local Church Board and one from your previous university or from the employing organization if employed. Submit the name, email address, and designation of your referees, and AUA admissions will email the link for completing the online recommendation form. The applicant should seek the consent of the referee before submitting their details
  3. Must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Curriculum

CHAP 610
Foundation of Chaplaincy
2 Credits
The course is an overview of the nature and history of chaplaincy ministry. It will examine the biblical and theological foundations of a ministry of presence, which often comprises the core of chaplaincy ministry. Participants will also study the history and development of Chaplaincy as a pastoral calling, along with an examination of its role and function in the Church, community and professional world. Issues dealing with the personal spiritual formation of the chaplain are examined. The chaplain’s identity, purpose, and ethical expectations will be discussed.


CHAP 613
Chaplaincy Formation and Professional Ethics
3 Credits
Chaplaincy formations will cover the nature of institutional chaplain ministries such as military, healthcare, correctional, and campus chaplaincies and explore their commonalities, distinctiveness, and expectations. It will significantly focus on an overview of a chaplain’s personal and professional life, general legal aspects of Chaplaincy, and a chaplain’s opportunities in the public arena. Students will be exposed to a local institution and asked to provide an in-class reflection on the practicum using discussion, verbatim, and small group principles.

CHAP 621
Multi-Religious Context Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course focuses on the role of the chaplain in a multi-religious context. Issues such as non-Christian religious worldviews, religious freedom and the chaplain as reconciler are examined.

CHAP 668
Worship, Homiletics and Healing
3 Credits
The role of worship in healing would be examined in this course. Emphasis shall be placed on helping the chaplain prepare, lead and explore worship as a healing process.

CHAP 674
Care of the Bereaved and Dying
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to examine the biblical, theological, cultural, religious, relational, and psychological aspects of dying and death and providing and the bereaved emotional and spiritual support.

CHAP 665
Theology of the Old Testament
3 Credits
Theology of the Old Testament Studies major theological themes of the OT in the light of the literary, cultural, and historical contexts of ancient Israel. Tracing the birth and development of such concepts as God, humankind, covenant, sin, sacrifice, etc., and the implications these had on Christian theology is the primary purpose of this course.

CHAP 660
Theology of the New Testament
3 Credits
This course aims at surveying New Testament theological themes within the framework of the various New Testament books as well as across the entire New Testament. A special focus is rendered to such themes as the unity and the authority of the New Testament, and the methodologies for doing New Testament theology.

CHAP 615
Theology of Creation and Human Suffering
3 Credits
The course explores the theology of creation and the results of the Fall given rise to human suffering and evil as opposed to the purpose of God in creating and redeeming this world

CHMN 669
Clinical Pastoral Education-1 (CPE-1)
8 Credits
Students would be required to engage in a supervised six-week internship in their specific area of chaplaincy interest. The total hours required for this internship is 240.

GSEM 605
Applied Theology Research Methods and Writing
3 Credits
This course is a study of the philosophy, methods, tools, and techniques of documentary research, especially geared at developing a thesis or dissertation in academic programs such as MABTS and Ph.D. programs. It also focuses on the techniques of developing a ministry project in Applied Theology areas such as Chaplaincy, Master of Divinity, Mission, and Pastoral Theology programs.

 

CHAP 694
Seminar in Chaplaincy Research
3 Credits
This is a continuation of the GSEM 605 Applied Theology Research and Writing course with an in-depth study of various research methods and their use in a chaplaincy setting. After taking this course the student will be allowed to start their work on the thesis. 

 

CHAP 696
Chaplaincy Project/Thesis
6 Credits
This is preferably a report of a practical chaplaincy project carried out by the student demonstrating his understanding of the whole process and meaningful contributions to the practice of Chaplaincy. Its length shall be 60-80 pages.

CHAP 631
Philosophy and Practice of Campus Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course explores in-depth the role of the chaplain and issues specific to campuses and educational institutions. Examines the vision, goals and implementation strategies for campus ministry by understanding campus behaviour and mobilisation of student leadership and teachers. The chaplain’s role as an advisor to institutional leadership concerning religion, spiritual concerns, moral and ethical issues would be considered.

 

CHAP 633
Issues in Contemporary Youth Culture
3 Credits
This course examines in-depth today’s youth culture. It will explore the questions youths ask about such topics as parents, self-image, friendships, peer pressure, music, love, sex, dating, abuse, drugs, and teen violence and address them from a biblical perspective.

 

CHAP 650
Children, Youth, and Young Adults Ministry
3 Credits
This course acquaints students with opportunities for ministry to children, youth and young adults in the context of an educational institution. It proceeds to examine how to formulate, implement and evaluate a comprehensive ministry approach for specific age groups, cultures, and situations.

CHAP 635
Philosophy and Practice of Correctional Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course explores significantly the role of the chaplain specific to correctional institutions.
Examines the vision, goals and implementation strategies for correctional Chaplaincy and ministry by understanding organisational behaviour and mobilisation of leadership. The chaplain’s role as an advisor to institutional leadership concerning religion, spiritual concerns, moral and ethical issues would be considered.

CHAP 637
Seminar in Correctional Chaplaincy
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to examine some of the social issues and violence that may have led to incarcerations and how they influence life and ministry in correctional institutions.

CHAP 652
Chaplaincy and Justice
3 Credits
This course examines the role of justice administration in society. The next focus is on how to assist convicts in accepting and coping with incarceration. Further, the ministry to ex-convicts as they cope with the complex challenges of re-entry into society is considered.
Lastly, the course will examine the challenges of ministering to incarcerated persons’ families and children during and after incarcerations.

CHAP 643
Philosophy and Practice of Military Chaplaincy
3 Credits
This course explores significantly the role of the chaplain specific to military and paramilitary institutions. It examines the vision, goals and implementation strategies for military and para-military Chaplaincy and ministry by understanding organisational behaviour and mobilisation of leadership. The chaplain’s role as an advisor to institutional leadership concerning religion, spiritual concerns, moral and ethical issues would be considered.

 

CHAP 645
Context and Culture of Military Chaplaincy
3 Credits

An examination of opportunities and expectations for chaplaincy ministry to an inter-faith and cross-generational constituency in a military setting and beyond. Focus is given to structuring the chaplain’s functions and ministry in a variety of situations, locations, and people groups.

 

CHAP 656
Seminar in the Military Chaplaincy
9 Credits
The course is designed to enable the students to understand issues such as the governmental, legal and military expectations and protocols in planning and implementing ministries that work effectively in the chaplaincy context.

CHAP 640
Health Ministries and Chaplaincy
3 Credits
The purpose of the course is to prepare chaplains to understand the relationship between health and healing and ministering to those in health institutions. It examines the vision, goals, and implementation strategies for the health ministry by understanding institutional behaviour and mobilization leadership. The chaplain’s role as an advisor to institutional leadership concerning religion, spiritual concerns, and moral and ethical issues would be considered.

 

CHAP 641
Mental Health and Spirituality
3 Credits
The course explores the interrelationship between spirituality and mental health. It examines the understanding of the term 'spirituality' in the context of various religious traditions and studies the healing effects of both spirituality and/or religious traditions.

 

CHAP 654
Health and Illness
3 Credits
This course is designed to investigate the theoretical and clinical aspects of spiritual care in exploring a theological understanding of health and illness. Cases are examined to learn the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to provide spiritual care.

 

CHAP 679
Clinical Pastoral Education-2(CPE-2)
9 Credits

An advanced course of practical ministry in academic and clinical settings as a preparation for Board Certification of healthcare chaplains in which the students are gaining their skills and tools for chaplaincy while identifying particular gifts and goals for ministry by using behavioural sciences and theological reflection. 

 

Programme Coordinator

Mahlon

Mahlon Juma, PhD., BCC., ChD.

Program Coordinator, Lecturer, Applied Theology, Theological Seminary

Education

  • Chaplaincy Diplomate (ChD), Clinical Pastoral Education, Clinical Pastoral Education and Care Foundation, Inc., Asia Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, 2023

  • PhD in Psychology, Adventist University of the Philippines, Silang Cavite, Philippines, Magna Cum Laude May 2021

Areas of Expertise

  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervision
  • Certified Life Coach and Mentor
  • Trainer of Trainees, My Journey to Recovery for Addictions and Emotional Catharsis

Areas of research interest

  • Psychology and Religion
  • Chaplaincy issues
  • Zoology
  • Music

Biography 

Dr. Mahlon Juma is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist church for 26 years and has worked and studied in Uganda, Kenya, and the Philippines. He’s been the Director of Correctional Chaplaincy, Public Campus Ministry, Hospital and HIV/AIDS ministry, and of Communication and Radio ministry in Uganda. He was a Resident Pastor and strengthened the AMiCUS/PCM branch at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, which is now an organized church in a secular premier University. He is Vice-Chair of the Professional Association of Chaplains in Kenya. He heads the Strategic department of the Kenya Universities Professional Counselors’ Association. He is a seasoned chaplain. He’s a Board-Certified Chaplain, a Full CPE Supervisor, and a CPE Educator at the Adventist Chaplaincy Institute in Silver Springs, USA.

 

Mahlon

Mahlon Juma, PhD., BCC., ChD.

Program Coordinator, Master of Chaplaincy Lecturer, Applied Theology, Theological Seminary

Office Location: Library Complex
Email: jumamn@aua.ac.ke


Biography 

Dr. Mahlon Juma is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist church for 26 years and has worked and studied in Uganda, Kenya, and the Philippines. He’s been the Director of Correctional Chaplaincy, Public Campus Ministry, Hospital and HIV/AIDS ministry, and of Communication and Radio ministry in Uganda. He was a Resident Pastor and strengthened the AMiCUS/PCM branch at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, which is now an organized church in a secular premier University. He is Vice-Chair of the Professional Association of Chaplains in Kenya. He heads the Strategic department of the Kenya Universities Professional Counselors’ Association. He is a seasoned chaplain. He’s a Board-Certified Chaplain, a Full CPE Supervisor, and a CPE Educator at the Adventist Chaplaincy Institute in Silver Springs, USA.

Dr. Juma is married to Betty. They have a son and two daughters.

Education

  • Chaplaincy Diplomate (ChD), Clinical Pastoral Education, Clinical Pastoral Education and Care Foundation, Inc., Asia Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, 2023

  • PhD in Psychology, Adventist University of the Philippines, Silang Cavite, Philippines, Magna Cum Laude May 2021

  • MA in Counseling Psychology, Uganda Christian University, Kampala, Uganda, May 2007
  • MA in Educational Administration and Management, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda, May 2004

Areas of Expertise

  • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervision
  • Certified Life Coach and Mentor
  • Trainer of Trainees, My Journey to Recovery for Addictions and Emotional Catharsis

List areas of research interest

  • Psychology and Religion
  • Chaplaincy issues
  • Zoology
  • Music

Featured Alumni

Sikhumbuzo_aua

Sikhumbuzo Dube,

2019 / Master of Chaplaincy

In 2015, I joined the Master of Chaplaincy program specializing in Healthcare Chaplaincy. What an amazing experience I had. Adventist University of Africa (AUA) has a high quality of graduate education that is a foundation for both academic excellence and professional relevance. The classroom experience is colored by all the beautiful shades from the African continent thus making learning a rich cultural exchange encounter. The teachers bring in a wealth of experience from their fields of expertise. I have learned to contribute to the academic world through publications and conference presentations. I am a grateful AUA graduate.

Sikhumbuzo_aua

Sikhumbuzo Dube,

2019 / Master of Chaplaincy

In 2015, I joined the Master of Chaplaincy program specializing in Healthcare Chaplaincy. What an amazing experience I had. Adventist University of Africa (AUA) has a high quality of graduate education that is a foundation for both academic excellence and professional relevance. The classroom experience is colored by all the beautiful shades from the African continent thus making learning a rich cultural exchange encounter. The teachers bring in a wealth of experience from their fields of expertise. I have learned to contribute to the academic world through publications and conference presentations. I am a grateful AUA graduate.

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