Lesson 3

Self Evaluation of Present Skills

Strengths

Good Listener

Practical

Patient

Empathic

Creative

Determined

Ability to "think outside the box"

Thirst for knowledge

Well rounded knowledge

Awareness that I know very little in the "Great Scheme of Things"

Ability to admit I don't know things

Pragmatism

Weaknesses

Shy

Aversion to attention  (in groups)

Procrastination

Confidence (or "unwillingness to do salesmanship"?)

Tendency to over-organise rather than do

Paper qualifications

Short plan (in progress already)

Exposure treatment to overcome shyness

Facilitating small group work to work on aversion to group speaking

Daily Planning - combats procrastination and the over-organisation compulsion

Working on paper qualifications by courses

Research your religion's qualifications for Chaplaincy

I'm not sure if I can say I "have a religion".  I believe in a Greater Power, that it is inherently Good and totally awesome.  :-). I would like to be an Interfaith Chaplain.

And…I'm not actually firghtened to say it…as a therapist for many years, I have found that "qualifications" and "registration" are, 90% of the time, a gimmick to gouge fees.  It doesn't take much research to find that an "organisation" or "directory" is linked to a "training centre" and will only list those having completed their training, professional supervision can only be performed by those members of those organisations, and supervisors must have taken their supervisor training course.  Not only that, but links to "reputable" organisations (such as training institutions and "registers of professionals", increase someones ranking in Google.  It doesn't take much to find out that that "Training School" has staff members who run "This Directory" which lists only their practices.  Unless you wish to pay the £100/yr registration fee and then pay £100 every couple months to their supervisor.  It only takes a couple "organisations" and an independent therapist is short of money to pay the rent.  I don't do it, and generally don't waste my time looking for bogus organisations so my website looks good.  Where is the honesty in that.  (It isn't a rant, it is a statement of opinion.)

But in the interest of doing the assignment, I have had a Google, and amongst all of the "Chaplaincy Training Schools/Registers", I did manage to find…...

(Varied Chaplaincy requirements would obviously vary by organisation and locality)

• To work as a hospital chaplain, you'll need at least a master's degree in religion, pastoral counseling, divinity, or theology. Some employers prefer a doctorate degree. You'll also need 2-5 years of experience as clergy or chaplain and experience in palliative care and hospice. (study.com)

• To become a Army Chaplain (US Army)
• You must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from your faith group. This endorsement should certify that you are:
• A clergy person in your denomination or faith group.
• Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a chaplain in the Army.
• Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army.
• Educationally, you must:
• Possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours.
• Possess a graduate degree in theological or religious studies, plus have earned at least a total of 72 semester hours in graduate work in these fields of study.
• Applicants for active duty or the National Guard MUST be U.S. citizens. Permanent residents can ONLY apply for the Army Reserve.
• Be able to receive a favorable National Agency Security Clearance.
• Pass a physical exam at one of our Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS).
• A minimum of two years of full-time professional experience, validated by the applicant's endorsing agency (This requirement is not applicable to Army Reserve applicants.)
• Must be at least 21 years of age, but younger than 42 at time of Regular Army commissioning or less than 45 at time of Army Reserve commissioning. Prior service applicants with at least 3 years of prior AFS or creditable USAR service must be younger than 47 at time of Army Reserve commissioning. 
• UK Chaplaincy
• National Health Service
• Personal characteristics and skills
• As a chaplain in the NHS, you'll need to be
• willing to work with other faiths and people with no faith
• able to work with staff, patients and families from all walks of life
• flexible
• caring and compassionate
• able to work as part of a team with healthcare staff

• You'll also need

  excellent communication, including listening, skills

  able to see things from another person's point of view

  good organisational skill

  
  

  Training and development 

  Chaplains new to the NHS have training which includes

  an introduction to healthcare chaplaincy

  spirituality and chaplaincy in a multi-faith context

  working in the NHS

  working with people who are mentally ill

  
  
  UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy
  
  
  Standard Criteria for Registration.

  Full Registration will be available to chaplains subject to the following criteria:

  • complete, accurate and contemporary personal record;
  • declaration of compliance with the UKBHC Code of Conduct and Continuing Professional Development requirements;
  • evidence of relevant qualifications and training. This would normally include:
    • evidence of study relevant to the applicants faith community or belief group such as, theology, religious studies, philosophy of religion and belief; 
    • a Board Accredited postgraduate chaplaincy qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Chaplaincy; 
  • evidence of employment (honorary or salaried) in a healthcare chaplaincy post: this would normally be at a minimum of AfC5; or evidence of at least 6 months competent autonomous practice as a healthcare chaplain, for example in a voluntary chaplaincy placement supervised by a Board Registered healthcare chaplain;
  • evidence of a recognised or accredited status within a mainstream faith community or belief group, including the Humanist Society (UKBHC Competence 4.2.3.);
  • no known existing professional conduct issues;
  • payment of the relevant registration fee.

  Provisional / Student Registration will be available to chaplains subject to the following criteria:

  • Complete, accurate and contemporary personal record;
  • declaration of compliance with the UKBHC Code of Conduct and Continuing Professional Development requirements;
  • evidence of undertaking postgraduate chaplaincy study for example a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc. in Healthcare Chaplaincy
  • evidence of at least 1 month's competent autonomous practice as a healthcare chaplain, for example in a voluntary chaplaincy placement supervised by a Board Registered healthcare chaplain.
  • evidence of a recognised or accredited status within a mainstream faith community or belief group, including the British Humanist Association (UKBHC, 2015; 4.2.3.) see guidance below.
  • no known existing professional conduct issues.

  
  
  The Chaplaincy Institute
  
  
  (This doesn't list qualifications per se, but gives an idea of the vast scope of Chaplaincy which would required varied skill sets)
  
  
  Types of Interfaith Ministries
  Interfaith ministry is a mix of established forms of ministry and cutting-edge possibilities that expand the boundaries of how one can be of service. Some ministries, such as hospital or hospice chaplaincy, offer a more traditional career path. Other emerging opportunities, such as eco-chaplaincy or animal chaplaincy, tend to be more entrepreneurial. 

  Whether in a traditional setting or one that is on the frontier of what ministry is becoming, the ability to provide care for people of any faith - and those with no faith tradition - will make Interfaith ministers a valuable asset in any number of contexts.  

  Below is a sampling of how some of ChI's ordained clergy are providing spiritual care and promoting peace, healing, harmony, and justice in the world. We hope their stories and forms of ministerial service will inspire you as you discern your own vocational path.  

  • Animal Chaplain
  • Art Ministry
  • Community Minister
  • Eco-Chaplain
  • Grief Counselor
  • Hospital Chaplain
  • Hospice Chaplain/Hospice Spiritual Counselor
  • Ministry to Children and Parents
  • Music Ministry
  • Prison Chaplain or Minister
  • Social Justice Minister
  • Spiritual Renewal Minister
  • Storytelling Minister
  • Youth Minister

  
  

  My advice to someone looking for a Chaplain would be the same as that I give to people looking for a therapist:

  
  

  Most importantly - Talk to several and choose someone who understands you and who you are comfortable to trust and and open and honest with.  Start your list by finding those who are at least registered with a couple ESTABLISHED and INDEPENDENT registers which have a published set of standards for membership.

  
  

  Hopefully this does't sound jaded.  But I find that a therapeutic relationship, and am sure that a spiritual relationship, is best based on honesty and transparency.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

Lesson 2

Describe someone you know who has the Divine Mark.  What set them apart?

This is a more difficult question than it seems.  Over many years, I have known varied "Ministers"  of varied Denominations.  Thinking back, I cannot recall any who I thought at the time had the "Divine Mark".  Of course, I generally had no reason to have a lot of contact with them on a personal basis.  That they were eloquent speakers and held conviction in their words was apparent.

On the other hand, I have met people who seem to have a deep inner peace, a serenity and who follow a calling of healing, or ministering in a secular way.  It is almost like an aura they give off - of love, trust, faith, and inner peace.

Has anyone observed the mark in you?  Write down what they have said?

It seems a bit presumptuous to presume that someone would have done so.  No-one has ever come up to me and told me they have.

They have said I am easy to trust, easy to speak to, have a sense of peace about me, am honourable, am the kindest person they have ever known (that is probably the best compliment I've ever been paid - being called honourable is the second.).  

Whether that is having the mark?  I don't know….I think of it as just an effort to spread some goodness and joy in the world.

Consider your calling.  Describe it in a paragraph or two.

"Calling".  It's such a "committed" word.  I don't know what my calling is.  Does anyone know it for a FACT?  Or do they think "That MUST be it!" and continue on that path, Faith guiding them?

I'm a therapist.  I've always been the Agony Aunt, so I decided to finally retrain and get paid for it.  :-). I'm a nurturer and genuinely love (most) people.  Those I don't love, I still tend to try to understand them.  I don't analyse people's minds or pasts or what their childhoods were, nor pretend to.  I help them make changes - to figure our what it is they want to change, and help devise a plan to make the changes and help them practice the new behaviour until it (hopefully) becomes part of them.

But mostly, I make them believe in themselves.  I tell them, "I am just the biggest cheerleader in the world".  And work with them until they believe in themselves as much as I do.  I pass skills that enable them to empower themselves.  Once they are empowered enough to feel they are not lost, they can make better choices.  Choices which are guided by THEIR beliefs and not what they have always been taught they "should believe".  I am sure that people are inherently good and kind, although it's not "cool" to be so.  I show them that that is ok too - as we are our own worst critic.

So….I help others help themselves.  When others feel well and happy, they help others.  So, I suppose my calling is to make the world a slightly better place by helping people see the good in it and themselves.  When they can do that, they open themselves to exploring areas which bring joy and enlightenment.

Is it a "calling"?  I still wouldn't know to call it that.  Is it what makes me happy?  Yes.  :-)

Lesson 1

I'm Don Kinnier.
Currently I serve as the chaplain for a funeral home in South Central Pennsylvania and on the music and worship staff
of a United Methodist Church, in the same area.
I have worked at the funeral home as both organist and a general assistant for about ten years.
Several years ago the funeral directors were finding it difficult to locate ministers to work with families who had no church affiliations.
(There was a tendency of a number of ministers to proselytize rather than eulogize and it left the mourners shaking their heads and wondering
what had just happened.)
I mentioned to the funeral director, during a trip back from an interment, that I was ordained.
Based on my ordination and a fairly well honed skill set for working with people experiencing upset and grief,
they asked me to serve as their company chaplain. I have been working with grieving families to, compose obituaries, help plan meaningful services and to assist in
getting them thru, what for most folks can be, a very difficult time.

I am taking this course, and others, to fill in the areas where I know I need additional work and to discover what I 'don't know that I don't know.'

From a spiritual point of view I associate most closely with the teachings of Jesus though not with the religion of Christianity.
I see that there is truth in all religious practices and that no religious practice has all of the truth.
Even though I serve in a Methodist Church, my views are more liberal and closer to those of the United Church of Christ.

Both the Methodist Church and The UCC have very active programs of chaplain's ministries,
with representation in the military, law enforcement, medical and business sectors. That said, in order to
be a Chaplain within either denomination you must first be a university and seminary graduate and be ordained in the denomination.

The work of non-denominational and inter-faith chaplains is extremely important in our society. With a decline in church membership
and a shift in beliefs away from the supernatural aspects of many religions, the availability of chaplains capable of ministering to people regardless of where they
are spiritually or emotionally helps to fill a very real void. As a funeral chaplain, I have no mandate to bring people to God. In fact my mandate is just the opposite,
and that is to bring God (regardless of name) to people and help them to connect with something larger than themselves.

Lesson 2

Describe someone you know who has the Divine Mark. What set them apart?

- My biological mother and her husband both had "something different" about them that I picked up on when I first got to know them in late 2014 and early 2015. They had a special kind of peace and joy that i didn't know was the fruits of the spirit.This ultimately led me to my new Christian faith and journey. I have observed this in other people, then asked them if they were Christians. They always say yes.

Has anyone observed the mark in you? Write down what they have said?

- I'm not totally sure, my adoptive mother told me I acted like an "old soul" as a baby, which may have been a Godly manifestation of some kind. I can say that I was "pulled" by God towards spiritual life many years ago, as if by a predestined plan. I didn't see it as a Divine plan until recently.

Consider your calling. Describe it in a paragraph or two.

I feel continuously pulled towards prayer and spiritual contemplation. I also feel drawn towards unbelievers or those of little faith, in a very sympathetic way. It's very new and I'm still trying to allow for Divine guidance instead of my own. I see myself involved in some kind of prayer ministry, but don't know yet how to begin that. I had an experience once in a supermarket where I was all of a sudden "pulled" to pray for a woman I saw but didn't know. I panicked and the "moment of opportunity" faded away. I felt very convicted and sorry to God for failing. I hope to be put to that kind of test in the future, in order to fulfill that duty.

-Zack G.-

Lesson 19

Tool Belt

- Business cards, I often find I do run out and when I need them they are not there so toad e amount of 25 should make sure I don't run out. 

- Small calendar and notepad

-Breath mints I like that ideal I will have to include them.

Tool Box

- Laptop computer.

-a raincoat and umbrella since I liv in a rainy area and the weather always changes.

Lesson 18

1. Stressor points

    a.  Wanting  to please al the people.

    b.  Finding time for my own lone time to worship.

    c.  Over scheduling by not being able to say "NO"

2.  Week

    .a.  Busy between 11-4 daily

3.    My Plan

    a.  Leave bigger gaps

    b.  Schedule more conveniently. 

Lesson 17

1.  I am only accountable to God, in my ministry and personnal life.

2.  I don't have  a mentor, but would love to have one.

3.  My plan would be to visit other church's in the area and get an idea on thier belief system and maybe find the right mentor.

Lesson 16

I don't really see anyone as a soul-friend at this time. I know I need to visit more at service's, I am more of a one on one type person and not comfortable in bigger crowds.

Outside of the ministry I do have a good friend although our beliefs differ from each other we keep each other in check with respect and honesty.

This doesn't mean that someday I will not find a soul-friend through prayer and patience I believe all things are possible

Lesson 15

I think a simple place outside the church building in the court yard would be my place to  hold worship.

I have a garden spot I use for weddings I can convert for meetings simply by re arranging a few items.

I can use the speakers and computer for music.

I would play the music, than ask for prayer requests after the closing prayer, we can congregate and visit with each other.

Lesson 14

1.  Weddings and Funerals are the only ministry I have performed to date but am looking forward to some others.

2.  Our church does on christmas and easter.

3.  My marriage policy i simple.

    a.  I go over the wishes of the bride and groom

    b.  I ask for a pre-wedding meeting, where we get to know each other.

    c.  If they want a rehearsal that would be our next step.

    d. Wedding day

    e. Follow up about 2 to 3 months afterward.

Lesson 13

Traps

1.Self Awareness- Growing up as a girl scout, I always plan ahead, I like no surprise's but when they happen I am prepared.

2.  Respect   the sex-  I have a good strong marriage it took many years to get to this place, with my experience's and age I feel I can handle this feat well.

3.  Money-  I only except donations which always goes back into my ministry.

4.  Compassion Fatigue - I believe in taking care of my body, spirit and mind. This is always my first consideration.

5.  Pride- This is a downfall for me and I have to work on it a lot by not over judging or reacting to fast it is a daily shore.

Lesson 12

To improve my counseling,  I need to read people better.  Some time's g what they really want to say. By listening to the hidden meaning behind the words I can help to figure out the best way to help.  Also, by having allot of resources handy will help i.e. broacher's and pamphlets for women's abuse and places for feeding the hungry and housing.

Lesson 11

The last time I councilled someone was yesturday, so it is fresh on my mind. 

A good friend of mine lost her mother, and I haven't seen her in 10 years.  I first dropped her a card at her Mother's house where she was staying to let her know I cared and was there for her.  At the service I took her

aside for about 10 minutes to pray with her although she is not a christian I believed it was a help to her.  After that I made an appointment to meet with her at a later date. 

I feel by getting with her in a few days all the activity at the service would not interfer with our conversation so much. 

Lesson 10

1.  I am not one of touch as my past has led me to a place where my space is mine, although I am working on touch as time goes by.

2. I think my plan would be to greet the person in a welcoming way, my smile say millions.  After that I may ask if they would like to hold hands in prayer,  I respect rights of individuals.  When I am out  in my community

I usually wait for the other person to make the first move on hugs and contact.  I plan to always respect the rights of other.

about lesson 9

The first lesson of 9 is really 8

Sorry about that

Lesson 9

I have learned I need to be more attentive and not judgemental.. To have all my facts and references available to help in situatuions.  To listen with empathy and compassion.  My body

language means alott also need to listen to body language of my counselee's.

Lesson 9

1.  I think availability and honesty is two major components to building trust in your community.

2.  Get out in the community and help where you can around my area the best places to accomplish this would be at festivals and the parks, community meetings   and my church.

3.  I am already a mandatory reporter for child abuse because I drive a School Bus. I report on domestic abuse and child neglect cases.

Lesson 7

Being a tourist town we have a lot of RV Parks, the one we have here in town also has a community building.  I at one time lived in this park and often thought of how nice it would be to have services there on Sundays.  I think

every one who visits the area have to go to one of the bigger churches. 

Lesson 6

1. We don't have any chaplains in this area.  I do know of one minister that goes to the jail to minister, he only does this on his own time and not for emergency situations.

2.When a disaster happens the Red Cross and Salvation Army Ministers and Social Workers step in to access each situation and help where they can.

Lesson 5

1. I talked to our local hospital, they do not have chaplains on site.  If a family is in need the hospital will call the families clergy to come down.

2.  I live in a small town, I think they don't have a chapel or prayer room in our hospital.

Lesson 4

1.  I meet a chaplain in the Army, but that was along time ago and didn't have a good experience with him.

2.  My denomination does not represent the military.

Lesson 3

1.  The skills I maintain are easy going, good Listener, and allot of experiences.

2.   The skills I lack are education and Bible learning.

3.   I will seek to improve by checking out books at the library and online learning.  Also, getting out in the community and volunteering.

4.   Church Qualifications: To be of a calling, that we do what is right and live fruitful lives.

Lesson 2

1  A Pastor of a small church in Riverside, California. At a young age he had the gift of communication, I watched as his small church grow, it grew so fast they had to put speakers

   outside to service his followers, he made a difference in my life and many others.

2.  I believe they have for years I had several people accuse me of being righteous I took it as an insult, till I learned it was a good thing now I am proud to be called.

3.  One night, I lived a state away from Oregon, I had a dream to pack up and leave and go back to Oregon, I believed this came from God. The next morning I left it was a

     7-8 hour drive.  When I arrived at a friends house, she was sitting in the dark with pain in her heart. She asked me about being a Christian I ministered to her she joined

     a church the next day.

    I believed God sent me to her in her time of need, as she had just been raped and was ready to give up on life, this was my first calling.  Off and on since that time

    God has placed me where he needs me all across the country and I thank him for choosing me to serve him to help other women of Abuse.

Lesson 1

1. Chaplains serve in prisons, hospitals and truck stops

- Some chaplains are community or business based

-Chaplains are usually traveling ministers or minister to people traveling

-They are not faith based but knowledgeable all faiths

2.My faith group does not  have chaplains as far as I know

3.My view is that chaplains they are very much in need in the future as our world change so does our ministry