The Ministry of Chaplains | An Interview with Tami Harris

Tami Harris is Chaplain Services Manager for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, part of Military Relations in the
Church's Priesthood and Family Department. She was the first female
chaplain in the modern era of the Church. Tami is a nationally
Board-certified Clinical Chaplain and has 35 years of civilian
chaplaincy experience. She studied at the College of Pastoral
Supervision and Psychotherapy and The Institute for Clinical
Pastoral Training. Tami also earned a masters in Human Services
Counseling with a specialization in Crisis Response and Trauma from
Liberty University, qualified as a Clinical Pastoral Education
Supervisor through ICPT, and previously served as director of
spiritual health and wellness at the Heritage Community. Tami also
serves as chairperson of the Chaplain Advisory Committee for The
Church, as a past-chair and member of the Utah Valley Interfaith
Association, and as a member of Utah Valley University
Inter-Religious Engagement Advisory Board. She and her husband are
the proud parents of four children and 11 grandchildren, and live
in Provo, Utah. Links “I Literally Washed Her Feet” | A How I Lead
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Highlights Tami shares insights into the role of chaplains,
emphasizing the importance of listening and empathy in providing
pastoral care. She highlights the unique training and experiences
chaplains bring to their work, including facilitating various
religious services and supporting individuals in times of crisis.
Tami also discusses the recent approval of female chaplains in the
military and the historical context of chaplaincy within The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She emphasizes the value of
chaplains as assets to local leaders and provides a deeper
understanding of the role of chaplains and their impact on
individuals in need of spiritual support. 02:04 - Introduction of
Tami Harris and Military Relations 05:26 - History of Military
Relations in the Church 10:19 - Role of Chaplains in the Military
15:47 - Approval of Female Chaplains in the Church 23:22 - Training
and Support for Chaplains 32:24 - Advice for Bishops and Stake
Presidents from a Chaplain 40:00 - Role of a Chaplain in Interfaith
Settings 43:11 - Importance of Chaplains in Wards and Stakes The
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