What ICM Chaplains Do . . and Don’t Do

What ICM Chaplains Do . . . 
Chaplains represent the sincere concern of the Christian community for all persons. 
Our objective is to focus on the needs of the employees. We visit the workplace on a regular schedule as well as respond to special needs or crisis situations. 
We circulate where people work in an organization to become acquainted with employees and establish relationships. When invited, we will attend small groups, company-wide events, and meetings of management and employees. 
We respect the rules and regulations of the workplace and obey all safety and health guidelines. 
Interactions between the Chaplain and the employee are always confidential and always free.

What ICM Chaplains Don’t Do . . . 
We don’t sit in an office. Our purpose is to be among the staff. We do not interfere with the production process or work activities. 
ICM Chaplains are not agents of management or employees. We treat everyone equally. ICM Chaplains will never recruit anyone for a particular church.  Though involvement with a church may be encouraged we never use our position to seek church members. Chaplains do not force religion on employees – our focus is to respond to specific needs and to support the individual. 
Chaplains accept no gifts or financial gratitude for their services. If there is a desire to celebrate the role of a Chaplain in their life, we welcome a charitable donation to ICM National in honor of a particular person.

Qualifications and Placement

Qualifications of an ICM Chaplain 
Any interested clergy or lay person must meet specific qualifications related to a genuine compassion for other people.

  • completion of the “Introductory Seminar in Industrial Mission”
  • agree to serve within ICM guidelines
  • commit to regular / weekly hours of service
  • active membership in a local church

Each person must submit an application and meet with a local ICM Chapter.

Placing an ICM Chaplain in Your Organization 
Once an organization recognizes the potential advantages for their employees

  • creating and supporting a positive work environment
  • early intervention / proactive interaction with staff and employees
  • ensuring a safe and confidential resource
  • no costs

an employer should contact either the local ICM Chapter or the ICM National Office.

Discussions between an organization and ICM will include:

  • establishing a regular schedule for visits
  • meeting key contacts  (such as the human resource director and plant manager)
  • becoming oriented to the facility
  • knowing the routine of break times and meals
  • reinforcing the confidentiality of conversations
  • and sharing how to contact the Chaplain in cases of emergency.

I Am A Chaplain

I am a Chaplain:
I’ll tell you why.
Life was so easy, all things were fair.
My friends and my home
and my church were there.
My road was smooth, yet, I knew, each day
There were lots of folks along the way
Who needed a friend,
who were wounded and sore,
Then I found a way to help — and more.

I am a Chaplain:
I’ll tell you how.
The training was really hard to explain,
The challenge so rich — so much to gain.
I couldn’t believe the need was so great,
The world so filled with trouble and hate.
I felt the touch, it was like a call,
I wanted to share my life with all.

I am a Chaplain:
I’ll tell you where.
Where people work, where life is hard,
Where dreams are shattered
and youth is scarred.
Where joys are shared and tears are shed.
I put on my symbol — my jacket red.
I go in love, a friend that’s true.
A Chaplain for them, won’t you be one too?

— Donella M. John