Give a Smile Today (GiST) is a faith-driven Community Chaplaincy non-profit organization committed to meeting the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical needs of individuals and communities around the world.
Our motto is simple yet profound: To serve God by serving humanity.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Love in Action
We believe that every human being deserves compassion, dignity, and eternal hope regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or religion. In a world overwhelmed by grief, trauma, and isolation, we bring hope and healing through intentional care, presence, and action.
Why Chaplaincy Matters Now More Than Ever
From hospitals and schools to prisons, disaster zones, and urban streets, the need for trained and compassionate chaplains is growing every day. People are silently battling mental health struggles, grief, family breakdowns, addiction, and loneliness—and many have nowhere to turn.
Community Chaplains step into those spaces to listen, pray, comfort, guide, and empower—bringing light into darkness and peace into pain.
That’s why GiST invests in chaplaincy awareness, training, certification and deployment, preparing men and women to respond with love, wisdom, and sensitivity in diverse settings.
GiST pioneered the formation of Smile Chaplains Network, which is a Chaplains Association registered and domiciled in Kenya.
Through Smile Chaplains Network, we identify potential chaplains, and equip them by offering biblically grounded and practically oriented chaplaincy training and certify them having qualified. Smile Chaplains Network Chaplains Membership stands at 200 chaplains in 2025
Smile Chaplains Network Certification Pathway
Basic Level – An annual renewable certification for Smile Chaplains trainees.
Level I-A – An annual renewable certification for those with a Diploma in Chaplaincy. Students should submit 15 verbatims and complete a specialization on care given before moving to the next level.
Level I-B – An annual renewable certification for those with a Degree in Chaplaincy. Students should submit 10 verbatims and complete a specialization on care given before moving to the next level.
Level II – An annual renewable certification, also known as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Focus on practicum field research. Students pick a specialization eg. Anger Management, Conflict Management, Mental Health, Palliative Care, Trauma Healing, Emergency and Disaster Response, Family Counsel, First Aid etc. CPE Curricula is developed by Smile Chaplains Network Quality Assurance Institute (SCN – QAI).
Level III – An annual renewable certification, also known as Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) or Licensure. One must pass a Comprehensive Proctored Exam (CPE) and present a publication on Smile Chaplains Network Journal or a documented Capstone Project that contributes to chaplaincy. Renewal requires proof of Continuing Education Credits (CEC) or Continuous Professional Development Credits (CPD) offered through Smile Chaplains Network Quality Assurance Institute (SCN – QAI) Seminars.
Level IV – Mastery/Consultant/Supervisory Level – BCC Smile Chaplains who are qualified to become trainers as determined by the Smile Chaplains Network Quality Assurance Institute (SCN – QAI). They should have a Trainer of Trainer (ToT) Course.
General Certification Guidelines
Those without minimum academic qualifications will be enrolled in a Basic Education Class, followed by a Proctored Qualifying Exam (PQE).
Holders of non-chaplaincy degrees or diplomas must complete bridging chaplaincy modules as assessed by the Quality Assurance Board (QAB)
Individuals with recognized CPE certifications from other institutions may be considered for BCC after review by the QAB
Graduates become Certified Chaplains under Smile Chaplains Network (SCN) a chaplains association registered in Kenya, fully equipped to offer presence-based care in real-world settings, both locally and globally.
Our Chaplains use Smile Chaplains Network (SCN) Field Guide Manual developed by GiST. Partner with Give a Smile Today Philosophy by becoming a member of Smile Chaplains Network.
Types of Memberships
A. Individual Membership: For people who feel called to serve as chaplains or support the vision personally.
Full Member: Any person engaged in chaplaincy ministry or training in Kenya who meets the Society’s requirements.
Associate Member: Individuals supporting the Society’s objectives but not practicing chaplaincy.
Honorary Member: Conferred by the Executive Committee for outstanding service.
Key Benefits:
- Access to chaplaincy training, mentorship, and certification programs.
- Participation in Smile Chaplains Network activities, outreaches, and events.
- Opportunities for deployment or partnership in chaplaincy assignments.
- Regular updates, resources, and spiritual support from the Network.
Ideal For: Pastors, lay leaders, counselors, social workers, health workers, students, and volunteers passionate about chaplaincy. Annual Fees:100usd
B. Corporate/Organizational Membership
For churches, ministries, NGOs, schools, hospitals, or companies that want to partner with the Network.
Full Member: Organizations engaged in chaplaincy ministry or training in Kenya who meets the Society’s requirements.
Associate Member: Organizations supporting the Society’s objectives but not practicing chaplaincy.
Honorary Member: Conferred by the Executive Committee for outstanding service.
Key Benefits:
- Tailored chaplaincy training and support for staff/volunteers of the organization.
- Recognition as an official partner of the Smile Chaplains Network.
- Joint outreach programs, events, or chaplaincy initiatives.
- Access to chaplaincy resources, consultancy, and networking with other partners.
Ideal For: Churches, schools, hospitals, NGOs, businesses, or government agencies wanting to offer chaplaincy or partner in outreach initiatives or benefit from chaplaincy services. Annual Fees 30 usd
Have you made someone smile today?
Together, we can create a world where compassion is visible, hope is shared, and no one walks alone.
Smile Chaplains Network:
Vision: To find, equip, and certify chaplains for Holistic Spiritual Care
Mission: To build a vibrant network of chaplains by providing training, standards, mentorship, and representation that strengthen chaplaincy practice in Kenya and beyond.
Motto: “A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine.”
GIVE A SMILE TODAY is incorporated in Kenya, as a non-profit organization. (Reg No. CLG-D7F837)
