Spring 2021 Chaplain Interview Series: Protestant Chaplain Reverend Dan Bell

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Chaplain Dan Bell discusses his journey to becoming a chaplain at Tufts University and his passion for chaplaincy, emphasizing its life-giving nature and interfaith engagement. He shares his thoughts on adapting religious rituals, like foot washing, to the pandemic context by focusing on the sacredness of hand washing. Dan also delves into the concept of pastoral care, highlighting its importance in providing non-judgmental support and guidance. The discussion underscores the value of interfaith dialogue and the chaplaincy's role in fostering community and meaning, even in challenging times.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chaplain Dan has been at Tufts University since 2016, serving as a Protestant chaplain.
• 🏥 Dan's initial career path was towards traditional parish ministry, but he found chaplaincy at Tufts to be life-giving and fulfilling.
• 🌐 Dan appreciates the interfaith aspect of chaplaincy, allowing him to interact with a diverse community at Tufts.
• 🤲 He has been contemplating adapting religious rituals, such as foot washing, to the context of the pandemic, like washing hands as an act of love and care.
• 🙏 Dan believes in the significance of Good Friday, where Christians remember Jesus' crucifixion, and sees a connection between God's suffering and the suffering of marginalized people today.
• 👥 Pastoral care, as described by Dan, is about being fully present for someone seeking support without judgment, helping them explore their inner world.
• 🤝 Accompaniment in pastoral care means walking alongside individuals, supporting them in finding their own answers to life's questions.
• 🌈 Students seek pastoral care for a wide range of issues, from religious concerns to personal and family matters.
• 🏛️ Dan wishes students knew that pastoral care is for everyone, regardless of religious or philosophical background, and is about exploring life's big picture.
• 🎭 A fun fact about Chaplain Dan is his tradition of dressing as Captain Kirk from Star Trek for Halloween concerts, revealing his past enthusiasm for the series.

Q & A

How did Chaplain Dan become a chaplain at Tufts University?

Chaplain Dan started at Tufts in 2016 after hearing about an opening from a colleague who previously held the position. At the time, he was completing a chaplaincy residency at Mass General Hospital in Boston and was looking for his next opportunity.

What initially attracted Chaplain Dan to the field of chaplaincy?

Chaplain Dan was initially drawn to traditional parish ministry but found chaplaincy at Tufts to be life-giving due to its interfaith component, diverse colleagues, and the vibrant campus environment where he could interact with people from all over the world.

How does Chaplain Dan view the role of chaplaincy, especially during the pandemic?

Chaplain Dan sees chaplaincy as a way to explore and try things that might not be possible in a traditional congregation. During the pandemic, he has been contemplating rituals like hand washing as sacred acts of love and care for oneself and others.

What is Chaplain Dan's perspective on the significance of Good Friday in the context of current global issues?

Chaplain Dan believes that the suffering Jesus experienced during the crucifixion is symbolic of the suffering God continues to endure with those who experience pain and marginalization. He sees a connection between Jesus' victimization and the plight of marginalized groups today.

Can you describe what Pastoral Care means to Chaplain Dan?

Pastoral Care for Chaplain Dan is about being fully present for someone seeking consolation, care, or guidance without judgment or agenda. It involves accompanying individuals through their pain, questions, and existential experiences, helping them find meaning and purpose.

What does Chaplain Dan wish students knew more about Pastoral Care?

Chaplain Dan wishes students knew that Pastoral Care is for everyone, regardless of religious or philosophical affiliation. It's about exploring life's big questions, finding meaning, and discovering one's purpose in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

What are some common topics that students discuss with Chaplain Dan during Pastoral Care sessions?

Students often discuss religious concerns, family issues, and future decisions like internships or jobs. They also seek help in discerning their beliefs and identity, especially if they've experienced a shift from their upbringing.

What is Chaplain Dan's most memorable moment as a chaplain at Tufts?

Chaplain Dan fondly remembers the annual interfaith field trips to Boston, which included visits to Saint Paul's Cathedral and interactions with both Episcopal and Muslim communities, providing students with insights into interfaith life beyond campus.

What are Chaplain Dan's aspirations for the future of the Tufts University Chaplaincy?

Chaplain Dan hopes to make better use of Goddard Chapel and the Interfaith Center by creating more welcoming spaces for everyone on campus. He envisions more creative use of these spaces for interfaith collaborations and community engagement.

What is a fun fact about Chaplain Dan that he shares with the Tufts community?

Chaplain Dan is a 'recovering trekkie' and has a tradition of wearing a Captain Kirk uniform from the original Star Trek series for the Halloween concert at Tufts.