From April 23 to 28, 2024, over 200 pastors and chaplains from the Northern Nigeria Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital Church in Jengre, Plateau State, Nigeria, for the inaugural Clinical Pastoral Orientation conference. Organized in collaboration with the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the Adventist church, the event centered on the theme "Equipping for Every Good Work: Chaplaincy Services in the 21st Century," focusing on the evolving roles of chaplains in delivering spiritual care and support in modern society.

The theme song, “I Will Go Where You Want Me to Go” from Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal 573, resounded throughout the program, underscoring the commitment to serve beyond Northern Nigeria's borders.

Dr. Istifanus Ishaya, president of the Northern Nigeria Union Conference, opened the conference with remarks emphasizing the essential role of chaplains amid rapid change and challenges. He highlighted the importance of equipping for effective ministerial service in times of crisis and adversity, stating, “As frontline caregivers and spiritual counselors, chaplaincy ministries play a pivotal role in providing holistic care and support.”

Nuhu Benjamin Yemson, director of Adventist Chaplaincy/Public Campus Ministries, reiterated the purpose of the conference, describing it as a means to prepare pastors and chaplains for impactful service amidst evolving global challenges.

Facilitators included Dr. Ugochukwu Elems, WAD’s director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, and Adebowale Adesanya, Clinical Pastoral Education director and instructor at Babcock University. Dr. Elems began with an insightful introduction to chaplaincy, discussing its origins and growth within the Adventist Church while addressing the contemporary challenges chaplains face.

In his talk, “The Making of a Chaplain,” Dr. Elems emphasized the rewarding nature of chaplaincy as a calling requiring specialized training and deep commitment. He addressed challenges like emotional demands, ethical dilemmas, work-life balance, and the need to adapt to various settings. He highlighted the importance of active listening, stressing skills such as mindfulness, open-ended questioning, and sensitivity to non-verbal cues.

Dr. Elems also discussed creating a spiritual master plan and the pressing issue of youth drug abuse. He outlined contributing factors and effective prevention strategies, advocating for education, skills development, and community engagement to empower young people against substance abuse.

Adesanya's session began with the importance of empathy, active listening, and a ministry of presence in patient care. He explored storytelling, the unique role of chaplains, and spiritual assessments. A practical session demonstrated active listening techniques, enabling participants to provide effective emotional support. He also covered "Grief, Bereavement, Support, and End-of-Life Care," employing simulations to illustrate deep listening in grief support.

Overall, the Clinical Pastoral Orientation conference aimed to enhance chaplains' effectiveness, equipping them with practical skills and addressing critical issues facing modern society. The impactful sessions underscored the value of holistic care and the essential role of chaplains in supporting individuals and communities during challenging times. The event fostered a shared commitment to improve chaplaincy services and respond to the spiritual needs of those in crisis.

The original article was provided by the Northern Nigeria Union Conference.