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In this episode of Church Potluck, Dale McConkey welcomes a bundle of chaplains for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving conversation about what chaplains do—and how their ministry differs from that of congregational pastors. Special guest Rev. James Henderson—a priest in the Anglican Church of North America who serves as both a hospital chaplain and an Air Force chaplain—joins returning guests Rev. Chris Barbieri (hospital chaplain) and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins (college chaplain). Together with Dale (former college chaplain), they explore chaplaincy as ministry in pluralistic spaces where people may hold different beliefs, carry church wounds, or find themselves in moments of profound vulnerability.

Through powerful stories from hospitals, college campuses, and the military, the conversation highlights the heart of chaplaincy: presence over preaching, compassion over correction, and trust over outcomes. The guests reflect on grief, doubt, interfaith care, confidentiality, staff support, and the challenge of offering hope without agenda—sometimes through words, and sometimes simply by standing with someone on the worst day of their life. If you’ve ever wondered how faith shows up when there is no pulpit, no congregation, and no easy answers, this episode offers an honest, moving, and deeply human glimpse into ministry beyond the church walls.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.