Describing the Work of Ministers in Specialized Settings – January 2026 Featured COMma Article

Up to 20% of authorized ministers in the UCC serve in specialized settings. They serve in healthcare, military, amongst veterans, in educational settings, on campuses, embedded in non-profits, have their own spiritual care businesses, in counseling and much, much more. The title of ‘chaplain’ does not fit for every one of these settings, but a recently offered description helps us to realize the unique gifts of these ministers with a new lens: 

“A chaplain is theologically educated, clinically trained, culturally competent and spiritually informed,” shared Rev. Dr. Rachel Grenier, President of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy on January 13, 2026, at the COMISS Annual Forum. 

This definition could be applied to many of our authorized ministers. However, it is helpful to understand those in specialized settings because it enables more expansive thinking around the impact our ministers also have when serving beyond the local congregation. These qualities have an undeniable impact on the communities that our churches also serve.  

Ministers in specialized settings are embedded in the pressures of community, culture and politics every day, never knowing what might come their way, consulting with people who may or may not truly understand their work or impact on clients and staff. They often give emergency care, while also being asked to support ethical decision making and advising community leadership in best ‘human’ practices. Ministers in Specialized Settings are gifted leaders that the church needs at this moment in time. They are an often untapped resource for the church, with specialized skills in collaboration and conflict resolution forged in work locations that are not necessarily spiritually informed. We invite you to imagine what kind of resource they can be for your churches and wider church settings, and what kind of specialized support they may need from churches and wider church settings to continue their impact on the world. 

Questions for further reflection: 

1. How does your Association/Conference support the work of Ministers in Specialized settings? 
2. What specific skills and knowledge do your Ministers in Specialized Settings have that would benefit the work of your COM? 
3. What can your COM learn from the cultural competency/responsiveness of your Ministers in Specialized Settings?