Futurology and third-level education chaplaincy work

1. Two processes to help scope futures for Chaplaincy

There are two processes that assist in scoping a futurology for Chaplaincy work in higher education. The first is to identify influences that affect a learning organisation’s religion and belief provision. The second is to view current trends in third-level chaplaincy provision. This chapter will assess these two processes and conclude by suggesting how chaplaincy may look in the future

1a. Influences on third-level religion and belief provision

In relation to the factors that shape religion and belief provision, there are several primary forces at play in the establishment of an effective and sustainable service, which includes chaplaincy.

1b. Trends in third-level chaplaincy

The second factor developments that may well affect the shape of provision are many and various. Here are five key pressures to consider.

2. Futurology and chaplaincy in third-level institutions

Chaplaincies do essential work as curators of space to allow people in third-level education express and explore religion and belief identity of the self and the other. Further collaborations between chaplaincies and their host institutions will improve religion and belief provision in future years.

2a. A new type of religion and belief service for the university?

We have identified that third-level education organisations need to engage with religion and belief in many and diverse ways and esteem chaplaincy as part of an overall provision.

2a. i. A first suggestion is about inclusion.

2a. ii. The second suggestion is about support structures.