Frequently Asked Questions
Is ChIME "Interfaith" or “Interspiritual”?
We are both. Interfaith is an avenue of seeing and seeking the endless possibilities of Divine expression. Interfaith ministry respects the individuality and integrity of all spiritual paths including "no path" and honors Divine wisdom in all faiths. Interspiritual study and practice honors each individual’s unique path to the sacred and recognizes the religious, historical, and cultural contexts that provide language and expression. Interfaith and Interspiritual study and appreciation weave together throughout ChIME’s programs.
What if I’m already identified with a religion?
Interfaith studies provide opportunities for individuals to deepen their relationships to their own faith by understanding it in the context of other faith expressions. A more meaningful commitment to one’s own spiritual path is a common outcome of Interfaith studies.
I'm not at all religious. Is this okay?
Our students come from all faith backgrounds and traditions, including atheist. The important thing is a curiosity about, and a willingness to learn about and serve people from any spiritual or religious path.
I'm working full time. Am I going to have time for this?
The Interfaith Ministry program is designed for adult learners with other full-time commitments. If students find they need or want more time, they may choose to extend the program to a third year.
Is ChIME an accredited institution?
ChIME operates independently, providing flexibility to maintain and uphold our own high standards of study and practice. As an independent, non-profit organization, programs and staff are accountable to a board of directors, our students, and the communities we serve.
Will my ChIME training open doors?
Absolutely! Deepening your own spiritual path and practice and developing a capacity to be with folks of any background will certainly open doors.
Many ChIME graduates have found their personal and professional lives grow in new directions. Alumni have forged their own paths, weaving their ministry into their lives as entrepreneurs, parents, social workers, teachers, writers, musicians, health professionals, and more. Others have pursued paid employment as Chaplains in hospice, assisted living, and other health-related chaplaincies, including some hospitals.
In addition to institutional chaplaincies or entrepreneurial community ministry, many ChIME graduates create or supplement their incomes by serving as celebrants, teaching, preaching, and offering workshops from writing to singing, drumming to nature explorations as a spiritual practice.
Learn what a few ChIME grads are doing in this 20 minute video.
Will this prepare me to work as a Chaplain in hospice?
Typically, institutions require Chaplains to have both advanced theological training and Clinical Pastoral Education. The Interfaith Ministry program would provide the necessary academic foundations of theological study and Ordination. One or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), would offer the development of skills necessary for work as a clinical chaplain.
How will I change as a person?
Regardless of the type of service a student engages in post-graduation, a ChIME education helps the student live into their own pastoral authority – that felt sense of being in the right place at the right time with the right skills, and the wisdom to know when other skills are required.
Am I required to be ordained?
Ordination is not required. A student may elect to graduate only. Our history tells us most students elect to be ordained, but students have until January of their second year to make that decision.
What will be my title if I am ordained?
You may call yourself Reverend, a term shared by Interfaith, Buddhist and Christian traditions. Some graduates use no title, while others refer to themselves as Community Ministers or Community Chaplains. The common denominator is service to individuals and communities.
How much time will I spend in class?
Classes meet one night a week for three hours from September - June. Vacation weeks in November, December, February and April follow the Maine public school calendar.
How are the workshops structured?
Students complete 2 workshops per month, either in-person or online. In-person workshops are typically held within 20 minutes of Portland, Maine the first weekend of the month and run from 9:30-4:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Online workshops are asynchronous self-paced modules that are available for two weeks so that the 6 hours of content per workshop can be completed according to each student’s needs.
Are the in-person and online cohorts the same?
Yes and no.
Yes. Each delivery model of ChIME’s Interfaith Ministry program combines an intimate cohort community, a diversity of instructors, and experiential curriculum delivery. Students engaging in any cohort model will will enjoy a deep sense of spiritual community, created by the strong personal relationships built over the course of the program.
No. Cohort models differ in delivery method. When deciding which cohort will best serve them, prospective students are encouraged to consider proximity, access to technology, and their preferred learning style. The in-person cohort requires travel to/from ChIME weekly for classes. The online cohort allows weekly class attendance on Zoom. Students from either cohort can engage monthly workshops asynchronously online or they may attend workshops in person for a blended program experience.
What role do the expressive arts play?
Expressive arts are used both as vehicles to connect to and express the Divine and also as tools for assisting others to express their connection to Spirit. Explorations of music, visual art, writing and dance, etc. are offered throughout the two years.
What types of support do you offer students?
Each student is assigned a Spiritual Companion who has a connection to ChIME (faculty, graduates, teachers), and with whom they meet monthly. A Faculty Advisor supports each student in balancing all aspects of the program and paying attention to how it informs and is informed by other aspects of their lives. Students also identify a Spiritual Mentor of their own choosing with whom they meet four times a year.
Are there any scholarship funds available?
The Community Supported Tuition structure invites all students to select the tuition level that meets their ability to pay. Financial documentation is not required at any level. Additionally, students can set up a payment plan to spread tuition payments over the academic year. Prior year tuition must be fully paid before the student moves onto the next year or completes the program.
What are the expectations regarding practical experience?
Each student is required to complete 150 hours of community service during the first year and 150 hours in an internship during the second year. Students are encouraged to be creative in their selection of volunteer opportunities, stretching out of their comfort zones and into their communities. When requested, ChIME faculty and staff can assist in finding opportunities and making connections.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact Lisa Steele-Maley, Dean, at lisa@chimeofmaine.org.