Pagan Chaplaincy Training
Our Pagan Chaplaincy Training Programme is designed to equip individuals from nature-based and alternative spiritual paths with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to offer meaningful spiritual care in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, prisons, and other institutions.
This training is rooted in respect for diversity and a commitment to serving those who walk spiritual paths outside the mainstream. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to serve their communities with integrity, sensitivity, and professionalism.
Course Overview
This comprehensive training takes place across ten weekends, spaced out to allow for reflection, integration, and self-paced learning. The programme includes a balanced combination of:
Workshops – Experiential sessions that explore ritual, listening skills, ethical considerations, and institutional protocols.
Lectures – Engaging presentations covering key topics such as spiritual care, cultural awareness, legal frameworks, and interfaith collaboration.
Practical Work – Real-world scenarios, role-play, and reflective exercises to build confidence and deepen pastoral presence.
Course Objectives
Institutional Chaplaincy Preparation
To prepare Chaplains to work effectively within a variety of settings—such as hospitals, hospices, prisons, and community spaces—offering spiritual support where it is most needed.
Understanding Pagan Diversity
To develop a broad and inclusive understanding of the many paths within Paganism. Through talks, discussions, and workshops, trainees will explore a rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and spiritual approaches, fostering respect and competence in serving a diverse community.
Ceremonial Training
To enable trainees to design and deliver bespoke, heartfelt ceremonies for all of life’s major transitions. This includes:
Naming Ceremonies
Wedding Blessings
Handfastings
Rites of Life and other significant celebrations
Students will learn how to create and officiate these ceremonies with professionalism, confidence, and deep spiritual sensitivity.
Death and Dying
To guide Chaplains in providing compassionate care at the end of life. This includes:
Supporting individuals and families before and after death
Understanding the role of a Chaplain during the dying process
Offering comfort in grief
Officiating funerals with reverence and empathy
Mentoring and Support
Each trainee will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the course. Mentors are experienced practitioners who can offer insights, encouragement, and clarification on course material and practical application.
Written Work
In addition to weekend sessions, trainees will complete written assignments designed to consolidate learning, encourage personal reflection, and demonstrate understanding of core principles.
Assessment
Assessment will be by external assessment, plus the recommendation of their mentor, in addition to observed practical skills and marked written work.
The course is mainly practical work, interspersed with three written modules and an agreed task. The final assessment will be completed on the last day of the course.
Skills Needed
Interview skills, empathy and listening skills.
Diplomacy and the ability to cope with emotion often in awkward and complex situations.
An ability to relate to assembled people and speak with them in a confident, not patronising manner.
A background of work with clients or experience in one of the caring professions (whether in the public, private or voluntary sectors) would be a real advantage, but life experience will be taken into consideration.
Who Is This Course For?
If you feel the call to sacred service…
If your voice longs to speak for those unheard…
If your heart aches to support the vulnerable…
If you dream of a world where all spiritual paths are respected and honoured…
Then you may already be a Chaplain at heart.
This training is for those who walk nature-based or Pagan paths and feel a deep pull to serve their communities in times of need, celebration, and transition. Whether you are a Druid, Wiccan, Heathen, eclectic practitioner, or simply someone who honours the sacred in the everyday, this course is designed to support your journey.
You may already be offering support informally—holding space for friends, creating ceremonies, or offering spiritual guidance—and now wish to deepen your understanding, gain professional skills, and step into this role with confidence and clarity.
Whether your path leads you into hospitals, hospices, prisons, or community circles, this course will guide you in bringing your spiritual gifts into service with grace, strength, and compassion.
Ready to begin?
You can download our full Course Prospectus [here] (insert link) to learn more about the modules, structure, and expectations.
Enrolment
Check our Enrolment Dates and upcoming Course Start Times [here] (insert link) to reserve your place and begin your journey into Chaplaincy.
The world needs your voice. Let your path be one of healing, honour, and sacred service.