Chaplaincy as a Reframing and Expansion of Youth Ministry – Initiating and Developing an Occupational Standards Ecumenical Project in the UK for Chaplaincy with Ages 5–25

Sometimes churches and Christian groups encounter scepticism or even hostility when they seek to engage with children, young people or young adults (cypya) within their community and have sought models and approaches that would be both accepted and understood. Chaplaincy is one way that some have sought to reframe mission and ministry. Chaplaincy is a distinctive ministry with a long history across many sectors but with no common core understanding. The Centre for Chaplaincy with Children and Young People embarked on a project to develop occupational standards for chaplaincy with cypya through convening a group consisting of chaplaincy leaders from denominations and organizations. The reason for developing occupational standards is to address issues of definition, credibility, measurement, accountability, training, development and audit framework. This article describes the process, underpinning values and theology and presents the twelve standards.