1. MODULE IV

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Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers

3. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action
This study guide will introduce you to some of the main things you will encounter when
ministering as a Chaplain in a facility. This could be ministering in a nursing home, veteran’s
facility, etc.
Here are the basic steps to follow in your first ministry as a volunteer or professional
Chaplain. Before any chaplain begins a ministry, they need to note the following:
• Remember that you minister to people from all denominations - your primary
function as a Chaplain - especially in a work environment, is to provide a caring and
compassionate presence for everyone, always maintain a good, positive and loving
image.

4. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
• Always respect others. Never take sides in a dispute; never be divisive, never referee
an altercation. Never forget your primary mission - you are a chaplain and only a
chaplain. Never compromise your calling - your primary commitment is to Christ.
Serve the Lord with gladness and your people with enthusiasm. Be constructive and
build friendships that last. Never criticize anyone; those you serve or those in
positions of authority. Dress neatly and appropriately. Share a personal witness when
the Lord opens the door. Be true to your word and always maintain a regular schedule
of visitation.

5. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
On your first day as a chaplain you should walk around and introduce yourself to both
management and employees. Don’t interfere with the employee's work or dominate their time.
Determine your basic support group, which will consist of believers in the workplace. Carry a
pad and pencil and note expressed prayer needs. As you go, learn the facility and the type of
work performed in each area. Begin to learn the language or jargon of the facility for better
understanding of the employees' responsibilities. Be compassionate; be courteous; be
considerate.
When you return for the second time, first go to those who asked you for prayer and tell
them that you prayed for them and ask about the ones or situations for which they requested
prayer. They will appreciate your concern and you will begin to build bridges with them.

6. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
This part of the study guide will pertain to voluntary work as a Chaplain in
disaster/emergency/fire/police/accident situations. The following situations would be considered
an automatic call out for the Chaplain serving in this capacity.
• Death of a person,
• Suicide and suicide prevention needs,
• Rape and other acts of sexual assault,
• Accidents with severe injuries or death,
• Homicide,
• Natural or man made Disasters

7. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
Some important facts to remember would be; you are NOT in charge. It is conceivable
that you might take charge if needed. You serve God’s will at the will of the disaster scene
leaders. Your first step is to pray and be calm. Find out who is in charge. Help out in ways such
that you are not IN the way. At your first opportunity introduce yourself as a Chaplain and show
credentials if required. Do what you are told when you are told. Be a help not a hindrance. Try to
carry some items in your vehicle such as dry clothes, coats, socks, pants and blankets. Get
different sizes of clothing and keep them clean and ready for use. Carry bottled water. It is useful
even if it is warm. Keep a cooler and buy ice. Get coffee and carry some snacks. Do not try to
tell anyone their job. Let them tell you what you need to do. Then do it.

8. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
Here are some more situations where a Chaplain is needed:
• Cases involving Child abuse,
• Family disturbances,
• Mental illness,
• Law enforcement officer request
Some of the things that a Chaplain
provides are:
• Quality counseling to victims of crime
and their families,
• Post-incident follow-up and support to
victims and their families
• An avenue for Police Officer feedback and support,
• Witness and victim services and referrals,
• Help with the physical needs beyond the realm of
normal Law Enforcement
agency activities, Referrals to many areas of expert help,
• Improved community relations,
• Available 24 hours per day,
• Caring concern and sensitivity toward your contacts in
the course of Chaplains'
duty

9. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
The following is a list of typical Chaplaincy Duties:
• Counseling due to any death
including suicide, accident, murder,
natural causes
and delivery of death notifications.
• Family Crisis Events
• Sex Crime Incidents
• Counseling Victim/Witness who have
been traumatized by any type of crime
• Any type of Public Assistance
• Unusual Transportation Requests
• Support Victim/Witness Services
• Delivery of Miscellaneous Messages
• Respond to Suicide Attempts
• Respond for General Counseling
Needs
• Counsel Police Officers
• Help With Funeral Arrangements
• Investigate Religious Fraud
• Respond to Juvenile Disturbances
• Respond/Follow-Up Youth
Gang Disturbances
• Respond to Racial Tension
Problems
• Respond to Neighborhood
Problems
• Make Referrals to other
services, agencies, clergy
• Perform Ceremonial
Functions as requested.

10. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
The Christian Chaplain in Action (cont.)
Chaplaincy Crisis Intervention; is the combination of faith-based resources with
traditional techniques of crisis intervention. Pastoral Crisis Intervention represents a powerful
addition to community and organizational support resources. Pastoral interventions and
Chaplaincy crisis interventions may be effectively integrated.
This is a very important module, this and module four are longer than the others and should
be studied more in depth.
There will be much more for you to learn in this category as well as the counseling module
which follows. The idea here is to acquaint you with the types of situations that you might find
yourself involved in.

11. Presented by National Association of Christian Ministers
Mention in your essay at least one step in starting a Nursing Home ministry and two
situations where you might have to respond as a Chaplain i.e. Death, gang activity, etc.
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