Chaplaincy in Methodist-Related Schools
The Susanna Wesley Foundation (SWF) understands chaplaincy to be a vital expression of the Church’s mission in the world that contributes to the flourishing of lives, communities, and institutions, with the potential to achieve transformative change. It provides trusted Christian presence in contexts where the Church otherwise has limited access and holds significant unrealised prophetic and strategic potential.
In developing a Centre for Chaplaincy in Education, the SWF aims to provide resources and facilitate the learning and development necessary for chaplains in educational settings (schools, colleges, and universities) to sustain faithful, effective, and flourishing practices.
Context: Challenges and Opportunities
An earlier review of chaplaincy across Britain and Northern Ireland consistently described the practice as life-giving, relational, and missionally effective. However, the review also identified several challenges and opportunities affecting most contexts, including educational settings:
- Chaplaincy is diverse and highly contextual.
- There is a need for a shared understanding of what chaplaincy entails.
- Chaplains frequently face funding and institutional relationship challenges.
- The role of lay chaplaincy is expanding.
- Further development is needed in:
- Entry points and discernment opportunities.
- Training and lifelong learning (including formal certifications).
The Research Project
Running through the end of 2026, the Chaplaincy in Schools research project will explore these themes by taking a closer look at the specific context of Methodist-related primary and secondary schools. This work will culminate in an academic report detailing the state of school chaplains in Methodist schools, providing evidence-based support for future initiatives and recommendations for developing resources and networks.
The Researcher
This SWF project is led by Rev. Shannon Conklin-Miller, Associate for Chaplaincy Research and Development, who also conducted the initial chaplaincy review. Shannon has served as a hospice chaplain and supervised the team providing endorsement and support for chaplains of The United Methodist Church. Shannon has extensive experience working globally in education and leadership development, with an emphasis on preparation for ministry.
Project Outcomes
The project is designed to achieve the following outcomes:
- Describe the Current State: Outline the present landscape of Methodist school chaplaincy and spiritual care.
- Identify Models: Detail the specific chaplaincy models currently utilized by Methodist schools.
- Highlight Best Practices: Pinpoint the most effective approaches to chaplaincy and spiritual care in these settings.
- Provide Recommendations: Offer actionable advice for developing resources that support chaplains and enable these best practices.
Key Research Questions
The research will primarily focus on answering:
- Who are the chaplains currently serving in Methodist schools?
- How are chaplains utilised, and how (and by whom) are their positions defined?
- What are the biggest barriers or challenges chaplains face today, and where are the greatest opportunities for impact?
Methodology
To gather this data, the research project will conduct individual interviews with chaplains at Methodist-related schools, starting with those tied to the Methodist Church in Britain. These initial interviews will then be followed by focus groups designed to reflect upon and explore the trends and questions that emerge.
As the project continues, more details of progress will be shared here.