Sikh Chaplaincy Certificate Course
Description
This course prepares Sikh chaplains to provide grounded, culturally competent pastoral care in institutional settings — hospitals, prisons, aged care and the Australian Defence Force. It integrates Gurbani as an inner framework with the practical skills of listening, crisis and grief support, cultural education, and professional documentation.
Course format
The course is delivered fully online over 12 core weeks, plus two optional advanced weeks and a two-week capstone (15–16 weeks in total where taken). The weekly load is 2–3 hours.
Each week comprises: one live class (recording available) · one self-paced module · one short online activity · one reflection journal entry.
Assessment. The course is assessed through two online assessments plus one capstone, supported by weekly formative activities (quizzes, reflections and practical submissions).
Features
- Gurmat‑Centred Framework
- Foundations of Sikh Spiritual Care — understanding Gurmat and pastoral presence.
- Emphasises Naam Simran, Seva, Hukam, and compassionate care.
- Gurbani and Emotional Wellbeing — applying scriptural wisdom in counselling.
- Interfaith and Multicultural Chaplaincy — respectful engagement across traditions.
- Professional Practice — ethics, confidentiality, and institutional protocols.
Target Audiences
- Chaplains and or Spiritual learners
Requirements
- Faith foundation: Demonstrated understanding of Sikh beliefs and values (Ik Oankar, Seva, Simran, and equality).
- Language: Ability to read or interpret basic Gurbani (Punjabi or transliteration acceptable).
- Education: Minimum Year 12 or equivalent; mature‑age applicants with community service experience are welcome.
- Character: Commitment to ethical conduct, humility, and respect for multi‑faith environments.
- References: Two character or community references (preferably from a Gurdwara or Sikh organisation).
- Demonstrated competency in spiritual, pastoral, cultural, and professional care.
Curriculum
- 14 Sections
- 42 Lessons
- 12 Weeks
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Introduction to Sikh ChaplaincyOrientation: the role, its settings, and the ethics that hold it together.3
- Mool Mantar & Japji Sahib as the Inner FrameworkThe chaplain's own grounding: resilience, hope and acceptance from Gurbani. You cannot pour from an empty vessel Before caring for others, the chaplain returns to Naam. Japji Sahib is the daily anchor — not a text to perform but a framework to live inside, especially on hard days.5
- Seva, Nimrata & the Ethics of CareIn Sikh chaplaincy, Seva shapes care as a selfless offering rather than a role defined by authority or expertise. It asks the chaplain to serve without expectation, centring the needs and dignity of the person before them. Nimrata (humility) ensures this service is free from ego, judgement, or the desire to “fix” suffering, allowing the chaplain to remain present, compassionate, and grounded. Together, Seva and Nimrata form a Sikh Ethics of Care in which support is relational, respectful, and anchored in the recognition of the Divine Light within each person. This approach fosters trust, deep listening, and ethical presence, especially when suffering cannot be resolved.6
- Gurbani for Pastoral UseChoosing and offering shabads for grief, anxiety and the end of life.4
- Sikh Identity & the Five KsRepresenting Sikhi in multi-faith settings and explaining the Kirpan with confidence.4
- Pastoral Care Skills I: Listening & PresenceThe ministry of presence and the discipline of listening without fixing.4
- Pastoral Care Skills II: Crisis, Trauma & GriefTrauma-informed care, crisis response, and supporting families.5
- Sikh Cultural Competence for InstitutionsEnd-of-life care, the Five Ks in clinical settings, dietary needs and ADF considerations.5
- Ardas, Paath & Spiritual SupportOffering Ardas - a supplication prayer, supporting non-religious Sikhs, and adapting prayer for institutions.4
- Chaplaincy in Sensitive EnvironmentsAged care, prisons, mental health, and moral injury in the ADF.5
- Documentation & ReportingWriting pastoral notes, protecting confidentiality, and keeping professional boundaries in records.4
- Advanced Gurbani for ChaplaincyGurbani offers gentle anchors for fear and courage — short lines that steady the mind, affirm resilience, and provide cultural belonging without spiritual pressure. In crisis, these lines work through familiarity, rhythm, and presence, helping a person feel held without being overwhelmed.4
- Gurbani Repertoire for Care SettingsA Gurbani selection with explanation — a small repertoire of Shabads with plain-language meaning and the situations they suit.1
- AssignmentAssignment Gurbani Exegesis1
Instructor
68 Students2 Courses
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