In-Person attendance only. 

This full-day, in-person professional development workshop offered through Houston Methodist in partnership with Transforming Chaplaincy provides a deep dive into the art and science of case study research in spiritual care. Designed for chaplains both new to research and experienced chaplain-researchers, this intensive 8-hour course will offer theoretical grounding, practical application, and in-person networking opportunities. Whether you’ve started to write a case and gotten stuck or haven’t even tried – this workshop will explore the nuances of crafting compelling case studies, discuss advanced academic writing techniques, and examining the ethical considerations inherent in this research method.

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive Case Study Development: This workshop will cover in-depth the entire process of writing a case study in chaplaincy, from brainstorming initial ideas to polishing final drafts. All participants will receive detailed instructions on writing and publishing case studies, including an analysis of a published example. We'll explore various formats for structuring case studies and discuss how to tailor your approach for different audiences and publication venues. You'll have the opportunity to workshop your own case ideas and receive constructive feedback from peers and faculty.
• Advanced Academic Writing Skills: This workshop will help you sharpen your writing skills, focusing on the specific demands of academic discourse related to case studies and chaplaincy research. We'll cover strategies for clear and concise writing, effective argumentation, and proper citation practices for submission to journals or case study books.
• Understanding the Field of Chaplaincy Research: Over the full-day workshop we will explore the evolving landscape of chaplaincy research and discuss how case studies contribute to the growth and development of the field of chaplaincy and the professionalization of individual chaplain-researchers. The unique challenges and opportunities presented by qualitative research in spiritual care will be discussed alongside considerations of how our work can inform best practices and shape the future of chaplaincy.
• Chaplaincy Theory: As a part of this expanded, 8-hour workshop, relevant chaplaincy theories and theories from interdisciplinary fields that can apply to our case studies will be outlined and Faculty will demonstrate how these frameworks can be applied to enrich and analyze case studies.
• Ethical Considerations in Chaplaincy: This workshop will address the ethical dimensions of chaplaincy research, including issues of patient confidentiality, informed consent, and the responsible representation of sensitive topics such as gender, race, and equity. We will also touch upon current ethical conversations within the field of chaplaincy that participants may wish to explore in their case studies.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is designed for chaplains at all levels of research experience. New researchers will find case study methodology an accessible way of entering the “research world” and experience chaplain-researchers will have a chance to explore broader, more advanced case study research methods and qualitative research methods through analysis of case studies.

Continuing Education:

A certificate for 9 hours of research-related Continuing Education will be distributed upon request to all participants upon completion of the workshop. This fulfills the 5-hour research education requirement for BCCI Renewal (with 4 additional hours).

Preparation:

All attendees are asked to:

1. Read Christina Shu’s case: “I need my granddaughter to know who I am A case study of a 67-year-old African American man and his spiritual legacy” 
2. Write a 1-page, single-spaced, no more than 500-word outline of a case for workshopping. Include 1-2 sentences under each heading:

            a. Introduction / Background to the Case
            b. Who is being served by the chaplain in this case? Patient/Family/IDT characteristics
            c. Brief narrative (no more than 3-4 sentences) of key features of the encounter(s)
            d. Theory (chaplaincy theory, sociology, etc) undergirding case
            e. Assessment used
            f. Any outcomes observed
            g. A theological or philosophical concept / thinker that applies to the case
            h. An ethical issue present in the case narrative to explore further