John Caperon – författare

A Vital Ministry describes the situation of the ‘post-millennium’ generation of the young as threatening to their human flourishing. Their economic, political and cultural context is potentially oppressive, and the education system in this country no longer seeks to provide ‘spiritual capital’ to resource the young. The special role of Church of England schools is to provide a holistic education which values the spiritual dimension, genuinely encouraging the personal and spiritual development of young people as ‘children of God’. Drawing on the testimony both of school chaplains and school students, the book argues that the chaplain’s ministry of pastoral care has a key part to play in the fostering of personal spiritual development, and that the role of the chaplain as a liturgical leader can open up the spiritual realm for students. The Church needs to take seriously this vital but neglected ministry, the book concludes, arguing for better recognition, professional support and development.

John Caperon highlights the nature and significance of the distinctive ministry of school chaplains and seeks to raise the profile of this key ministry in the Church

Chaplaincy is a rapidly growing ministry, but one that has been the centre of little theological discussion. Focusing on understanding what chaplaincy is and how it is exercised in different contexts, this book intends to support the work of chaplains by providing a theological examination of their ministry. The chapters in this book discuss how the work of chaplains outside the structures of the Church and yet frequently carried out by ministers authorized by the Church relates to some of the key questions of how the Church understands itself in relation to the world (i.e. institutions and structures that are not part of the church), whether or not the chaplains should engage in converting non-Christians to Christianity, and how chaplaincy is carried out both from within Christianity and in a multi-faith environment.This book explores the role of chaplains and the benefits of chaplaincy as a form of ministry as well as an examination of the personal characteristics and disposition best suited to serving as a chaplain. Chaplaincy and Christian Theology considers the nature of chaplaincy in public spaces and the implications of Christian theology within this ministry. Essential reading for chaplains, students of theology, and anyone involved in Christian ministry and Christian theology.