What is an Interpath Chaplain?



 “Interpath chaplain” is a term I coined to describe my approach to ministry. Historically, chaplains primarily served those within their own faith tradition. Increasingly, modern chaplains use the term interfaith chaplain to signal that they are trained to work across religious differences as a normal part of their role. An interpath chaplain shares that same goal—but seeks to name it differently.


The term interfaith has grown to carry several important meanings. It often implies that a chaplain:

  • Emphasizes understanding differences and fostering respect
  • Avoids conversion or proselytization
  • Is comfortable serving those from traditions different from their own
  • Uses the language, beliefs, and values of the person receiving care
  • Includes people who identify as atheist, agnostic, or otherwise non-religious

These are essential competencies. The interpath chaplain fully affirms them.

However, I have found that the term interfaith does not always communicate this clearly—especially to those outside the field of chaplaincy. Many people hear the word at its surface level and interpret it narrowly, assuming it applies only to interactions between formal religious traditions. In a healthcare environment shaped by deep and growing diversity, that limitation matters.

More and more people describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” identify as religious “nones,” or hold worldviews that are not centered on faith at all. For some of these individuals, the word faith can feel distant or even exclusionary. As a result, the term interfaith—while meaningful within the profession—may unintentionally obscure the chaplain’s full scope of care.

The term interpath is my attempt to address that gap. By “interpath,” I mean a way of practicing chaplaincy that is explicitly inclusive of any path a person may be on—religious, spiritual, philosophical, or none at all. It reflects an orientation that is not limited to “faith traditions,” but instead centers the lived experience and values of each individual.

The word itself is unconventional—and that is intentional. As I write this, my word processor flags “interpath” as a misspelling. In conversation, it often prompts a pause or a question. That moment becomes an opportunity to clarify my role, to explain my approach, and to gently challenge assumptions about what a chaplain is and who we serve. In that sense, the term interpath is not just descriptive—it is invitational.


Other blog posts you may enjoy:

What are the Universal Spiritual Developmental Phases?

The Survey Of Spiritual Needs - An Assessment

The Drowning Journal Technique

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