Smile Chaplains Network is a Christ-centered Chaplaincy Association registered and domiciled in Kenya. Rooted in the biblical call to be ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), SCN exists to equip both clergy and laypersons to serve as chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools, corporate settings, the military, and disaster zones, among others. These chaplains operate not only as caregivers but as evangelistic bridges, bringing healing and hope to people from all walks of life through presence, compassion, and the power of the Gospel.
❑ Vision: To find, equip, and affirm 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.”
❑ Core Values: Non-discrimination, Integrity, Readiness to serve. Professional development and client care
❑ Objectives:
1.Provide chaplaincy services in institutions, workplaces, communities, and other contexts.
2.Develop and uphold professional standards, ethics, and training guidelines for chaplaincy practice.
3.Promote and develop contextualized chaplaincy specialization paths.
4.Offer professional training, certification, and continuous professional development (CPD) programs for chaplains.
5.Foster networking, fellowship, and mentorship among chaplains for mutual support and capacity building in Kenya and beyond.
6.Represent chaplains in national, regional, and global forums.
7.Maintain a voluntary register of chaplains and institutions practicing chaplaincy in Kenya and beyond.
8.Represent chaplaincy interests to government, institutions, and the public.
9.Advocate for the establishment of a statutory regulatory body—the Kenya Chaplains Council—and collaborate with government in its formation.
10.Mobilize resources to fund chaplaincy activities and initiatives.
11.Promote growth of chaplaincy field through research and publications
12.Undertake any other lawful activities that advance the above objectives.
TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
Individual Membership: For people who feel called to serve as chaplains or support the vision personally under the following categories:
- Full Member: Any person engaged in chaplaincy ministry or training and who meets the Association’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 membership fees: 10 usd.
Corporate/Organizational Membership
Has the following Categories:
- 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.
For churches, ministries, NGOs, schools, hospitals, or companies that want to partner with the Network.
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 membership Fees: 30 usd.
What Makes SCN Unique?
- Biblically grounded chaplaincy: Focused on the ministry of presence, reconciliation, and holistic healing.
- Multi-context approach: Our chaplains serve in both religious and secular settings with integrity and compassion.
- Inclusive but uncompromising: While we serve people of all faiths and none, our chaplains remain rooted in the Christian faith.
- Training for impact: SCN chaplains are equipped with essential skills such as communication, crisis response, conflict resolution, counseling, and biblical spiritual care.
SMILE CHAPLAINS NETWORK CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
- Basic Level for Smile Chaplains trainees.
- Level I-A for Chaplains with a Diploma in Chaplaincy.
- Level I-B for Chaplains with a Degree in Chaplaincy.
- Level II – An annual renewable certification, also known as Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Focus on practicum field research. Students pick a specialization g. 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. R
- 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).
NB: Membership renewal requires proof of Continuing Education Credits (CEC) or Continuous Professional Development Credits (CPD).
SCN MAIN ACTIVITY AREAS
| Activity Area | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care | Providing pastoral and emotional care in hospitals, prisons, schools, workplaces, security forces, and communities. Includes trauma counseling, crisis intervention, and bereavement support. |
| 2. Training & Certification | Offering structured chaplaincy training programs (Basic, Advanced, Specialist, and Consultant Levels). Topics include ethics, counseling, trauma response, field practicum, and leadership. |
| 3. Community Outreach & Humanitarian Work | Hospital visits, prison ministry, community feeding, water purification initiatives, clothing drives, orphan support, and disaster relief activities. |
| 4. Empowerment & Sustainable Livelihood Projects | Promoting economic self-reliance through: – Soap & detergent production – Beekeeping & honey processing – Tailoring and repairs – Urban sack gardening – Recycling / upcycling – Small-scale baking – ICT & mobile repair projects |
| 5. Partnerships & Networking | Collaborating with churches, government agencies, hospitals, and organizations for professional chaplaincy deployment and community transformation. |
| 6. Advocacy & Counseling | Promoting peacebuilding, family counseling, addiction recovery, and moral guidance in institutions and communities. |
| 7. Events & Conferences | Hosting chaplaincy awareness campaigns, prayer summits, professional development workshops, and leadership seminars (e.g. SCN Launch & Commissioning Ceremonies). |
Integration of Faith and Practice: SCN bridges spiritual formation with practical empowerment. Every project combines discipleship with life skills turning chaplains into agents of holistic transformation.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
- Trained Chaplains: 100+
- Countries Engaged: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
- Community Projects: 20+ active livelihood initiatives
- Hospital & Prison Visits: Regular monthly outreach
- Youth & Women Programs: Skill-building and mentorship networks
“Smile Chaplains Network exists to bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is despair, and peace where there is conflict demonstrating the love of Christ in word and deed.”
If you’re interested in becoming a certified chaplain or supporting the work of SCN, we welcome your partnership.
📩 Email: info@giveasmiletoday.org
📱 WhatsApp: +254 735 420001
Smile Chaplains: Serving God by standing with people in crisis, in silence, in suffering, and in hope.
