Navigating Spiritual Care as Both a Calling and a Career
If your work no longer feels sustainable—or you're unsure what comes next—you're not alone.
When Purpose Isn’t Enough on Its Own
Spiritual care professionals are deeply committed to guiding others through moments of grief, healing, and transformation. You entered this field because you care. You feel called. But what happens when the work that once gave you energy starts to leave you feeling drained or uncertain?
You may be:
No longer feeling fulfilled, even in a role that once felt meaningful
Struggling to see how your skills can evolve into new opportunities
Feeling undervalued, unseen, or unsupported within your institution
Wondering how to keep growing without burning out or losing your sense of purpose
Unsure how others in the field are building sustainable, impactful careers
These aren’t signs that you’re doing something wrong. They’re signs that you’re ready for something more.
Many spiritual care professionals are eager to learn, grow, advance, and expand their impact—but don’t always know where to start. That’s exactly why this program was created.
A Conversation on Spiritual Care Careers
To hear more about what professionals in this field are navigating—and how we can support one another—watch this short conversation between Michael Skaggs of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and career coach Erica Mattison:
Support Designed for Spiritual Care Professionals
To meet the unique needs of this field, the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC have partnered to offer a flexible, thoughtful career development experience.
Clarify My Direction is a 12-week online program that helps you step back, reflect, and move forward with clarity—without needing to reinvent your career or lose sight of your purpose.
Whether you’re exploring what’s next, preparing for a transition, or refining your current role, the program provides structure and support to help you take intentional next steps.
You’ll receive:
Guided lessons and tools to reflect, realign, and plan
Monthly group coaching sessions to learn and grow in community
Access to the Intentional Professionals online community for connection and continued momentum
This is a space to think clearly, get grounded, and make choices that reflect both your values and your vision.
Core Competencies for Spiritual Care Career Development
We have identified key competencies that help spiritual care professionals grow with intention, resilience, and impact:
Clarify your professional identity – Articulate what your work means to you and how it contributes to the broader landscape of care.
Engage and expand your network – Build relationships that support both your development and your impact.
Practice career discernment – Let your evolving values and goals guide your decisions—not just circumstance or habit.
Understand the contexts of spiritual care – Learn how to adapt and lead in different institutional, cultural, and professional settings.
Advocate for your role and needs – Speak up for the conditions you need to do your work well—and sustainably.
Communicate the value of spiritual care – Express your impact in ways that resonate with funders, colleagues, and decision-makers.
Sustain yourself over time – Reduce burnout and stay grounded through rhythms that protect your energy and focus.
Evaluate new opportunities with clarity – Say yes (or no) with confidence by aligning decisions with your values and priorities.
Stay rooted in purpose – Recommit to your "why"—and create space for it to evolve.
Develop a flexible, strategic approach – Think long-term, with enough clarity to plan—and enough openness to adapt.
You Deserve Clarity and Support
Spiritual care professionals are often so focused on caring for others that their own needs go unexamined. But you are allowed to reflect. You are allowed to want more. And you’re allowed to take your next step with support.
Whether you're navigating a transition, recovering from burnout, or simply seeking space to think more clearly about your future, Clarify My Direction is here to help.
About the Program: Clarify My Direction
Clarify My Direction is a 12-week self-paced online course that helps you gain clarity, explore options, and move forward with confidence.
You’ll receive:
A guided framework to help you assess your values, strengths, and career direction
Personalized feedback on key reflections
Monthly group coaching sessions with career coach Erica Mattison
Access to the Intentional Professionals community for continued growth and support
This program is a collaboration between the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC, designed to help spiritual care professionals create careers that are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with who they are becoming.
Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey
➡️ Learn more about Clarify My Direction
Whether you’re discerning a shift, seeking clarity in your current role, or dreaming of a bigger impact, this program offers a path forward—on your terms, and with support.
