The Ministry of Chaplains | An Interview with Tami Harris

Leading Saints

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.

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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

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