Chaplain's Handbook: An Overview of Chaplaincy

Serving God Where Others Cannot Go

Chaplains stand at the crossroads of faith and human need—on battlefields, in hospitals, prisons, and communities where pain, hope, and questions of life and death collide. Chaplain’s Handbook: An Overview of Chaplaincy in Christianity offers a clear, compassionate, and practical guide to this sacred calling.

Whether you are a seasoned chaplain, a seminary student, or someone discerning this ministry, this book provides insight into the history, purpose, and practice of chaplaincy within the Christian tradition.

Inside you will discover:

• The biblical and theological foundation of chaplaincy
• The role of the chaplain in military, hospital, prison, and institutional settings
• Core principles of pastoral care and spiritual support
• How chaplains embody presence, peace, and hope in times of crisis
• A comparative perspective on chaplaincy’s role across contexts

Practical, inspiring, and deeply rooted in Christian faith, this handbook equips chaplains to carry God’s Word into the hardest places and to serve with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

About the Author

Rev. Chaplain Francis Sam-Kabba has faithfully served as a Christian chaplain across diverse settings, bringing the light of Christ into some of life’s most difficult environments. With years of experience in pastoral ministry and institutional chaplaincy, he provides guidance for those called to serve God and people in places where others cannot go. His passion is to equip chaplains for effective ministry while reminding them of the sacred and timeless nature of their calling.