Bringing Hope. Building Healers. Serving Communities.

The 5‑Day Chaplaincy Training Course

Our flagship programme is practical and transformative — equipping you with knowledge, personal formation, and readiness to serve in hospitals, SAPS, schools, prisons, workplaces, and communities.

Course at a Glance

  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Fee: R3 500 (full payment before training begins
  • Annual Membership: R400 (Grace Guard partnership)
  • Class Size: 20–50 participants
  • Facilitators: Experienced MCC chaplains and guest specialists
  • Optional Uniform: R1 100 (recommended but not compulsory)

Eligibility

  • Minimum age: 21+
  • Qualification in theology, healthcare, social work, education (preferred but not required)
  • OR 2+ years of ministry/community service experience
    Character reference required
  • No criminal record
  • Open to all Christian denominations and other faiths committed to MCC’s ethical framework

Assessment

  • Written assessment (verbal option available)
  • Practical role‑play and scenario responses
  • Full attendance required
  • Field placement with experienced chaplains before graduation

What Is Included In The Training?

When you register for the MCC Chaplaincy Training Programme, you receive:

  • Full 5-day training programme
  • Official MCC Learning Manual
  • Practical role-play and field preparation
  • Spiritual counselling training
  • Community outreach preparation
  • MCC Certificate of Completion
  • Access to the MCC Chaplain Network
  • Ongoing support and mentorship

Optional:

  • Official MCC Chaplain Uniform
  • MCC Chaplain Badge
  • MCC Membership Card

What You Will Learn During Chaplaincy Training

01.

— Module 1: Foundations of Chaplaincy

Learn:

  • What a chaplain is
  • The history of chaplaincy
  • Chaplain responsibilities
  • The role of chaplains in South Africa
  • Chaplaincy versus pastoral care
  • Ethical service delivery
02.

— Module 2: Chaplaincy in Practice

Explore where chaplains serve:

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • SAPS and law enforcement
  • Correctional services
  • Military environments
  • Schools and youth centres
  • Corporate workplaces
  • Community outreach programmes
  • Trauma and crisis response settings
03.

— Module 3: Chaplain Roles and Skills

Training includes:

  • Spiritual counselling
  • Emotional support techniques
  • Active listening
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychological first aid
  • Community mediation
  • Debriefing support
  • Advocacy and referrals
04.

— Module 4: South African Legal & Ethical Framework

Learn important legislation and professional boundaries including:

  • POPIA compliance
  • Confidentiality
  • Record keeping
  • National Health Act
  • Mental Health Care Act
  • Constitutional rights
  • Institutional protocols
05.

— Module 5: Multicultural & Interfaith Spiritual Care

Learn important legislation and professional boundaries including:

  • POPIA compliance
  • Confidentiality
  • Record keeping
  • National Health Act
  • Mental Health Care Act
  • Constitutional rights
  • Institutional protocols
06.

— Module 6: Traditional & Complementary Healthcare

Develop skills in:

  • Interfaith chaplaincy
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Religious literacy
  • Multi-faith support
  • Conflict resolution
  • Spiritual inclusion
07.

— Module 7: Spirituality & Health

Learn:

  • Holistic health principles
  • Spiritual wellbeing
  • Spiritual assessments
  • FICA, HOPE, and SPIRIT assessment tools
  • Faith and healing integration
08.

— Module 8: Spiritual Care & Counselling

This is one of the most important parts of the programme.

You will receive practical training in:

  • Spiritual counselling
  • Trauma support
  • Personal reflection
  • Compassionate care
  • Character development
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Ministry presence

This module includes:

  • Practical exercises
  • Group discussions
  • Role-play sessions
  • Real-world counselling scenarios
09.

— Module 9: Health Promotion & Palliative Care

Topics include:

  • Health promotion
  • Cancer awareness
  • Palliative care support
  • End-of-life spiritual care
  • Working within healthcare teams
  • Family support during illness and grief
10.

— Module 10: Chaplaincy in the Community

Learn how chaplains address:

  • Gender-based violence (GBV)
  • Poverty
  • Addiction
  • Crime and trauma
  • Community development
  • Resilience building
  • Youth and family support
11.

—Practical Field Experience

MCC follows a discipleship and mentorship model.

After classroom training, graduates participate in practical field learning alongside experienced chaplains through:

  • Community outreach
  • Volunteer programmes
  • Hospital support visits
  • Community care initiatives
  • Spiritual care engagements

This practical experience ensures that students are equipped for real-world chaplaincy service.

06.

— Who Should Apply?

This course is ideal for:

  • Pastors and church leaders
  • Community leaders
  • Healthcare workers
  • Nurses and caregivers
  • Teachers and educators
  • Social workers
  • Volunteers
  • Counsellors
  • Youth leaders
  • Individuals called to ministry and spiritual care

Benefits of Becoming a Chaplain

Spiritual Growth

Grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally through transformational training.

Real-World Impact

Serve individuals and communities during difficult moments including illness, grief, trauma, and crisis.

Community & Belonging

Join a national movement of chaplains committed to compassion, dignity, healing, and service.

Professional Identity

Become part of a recognised network of trained chaplains in South Africa.

Ongoing Development

Access future workshops, seminars, advanced training, and mentorship opportunities.

About MCC

 Medical and Community Chaplaincy (MCC) is a registered NPO training certified spiritual caregivers and palliative care practitioners across South Africa. 

Office Hours

Monday — Friday
08:00 — 17:00

Contact