VALLEY FORGE, PA (2/2/22)—After a successful introduction in 2021, American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ (ABHMS) six-week certificate program “Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry” looks forward to engaging its second cohort. The synchronous virtual courses will be held on Mondays from  6-8 p.m. ET Feb. 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 via ABHMS’ Center for Continuous Learning. A cohort celebration will be held 6-7 p.m. April 11.

This practical course in chaplaincy skills is for community contexts where a ministry of nonsectarian spiritual care is needed. Participants will learn how to offer a ministry of presence that honors ecumenical and interfaith engagement, demonstrates cultural humility, practices refined listening skills, and responds to trauma with sensitivity and accountability.

Participants will be introduced to the theory, practices, and various contexts of chaplaincy as a historic and emerging form of religious leadership in the United States and abroad. This cohort is intended for individuals who are exploring a call to chaplaincy in healthcare, prisons, military, and higher education as well as those who are already providing community support as chaplains, pastors, deacons, or missionaries in other contexts. Classes will be taught by board-certified and endorsed chaplains.

Classes and instructors are as follows:

• Week 1: Introduction and Foundations in Soul Self-Care with ABHMS’ Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy;
• Week 2: Multiculturalism and Diversity with the Rev. Dr. Patricia Wilson-Cone;
• Week 3: The Power of Active Listening, Empathy, and Brief Counseling with the Rev. Dr. Janet R. McCormack;
• Week 4: Trauma and Crisis Response with Chaplain (Capt.) Richard Blanchette;
• Week 5: Grief and Loss with the Rev. Dr. José Tate; and
• Week 6: Ministry Ethics with the Rev. Dr. Anne Dondapati-Allen.

Cost is $249. Enroll online. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy at patricia.murphy@abhms.org.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.