Emotional & Spiritual Care


For questions regarding Chaplaincy trainings contact: info@hopeforce.org.

Jesus set an example for us to follow in that He met both the physical and spiritual needs of those He encountered. When we come alongside people impacted by crisis or disaster, our “Ministry of Presence” can serve to assist them
on their road to recovery. Hope Force has a growing cadre of trained Chaplains among our Reservists who help to provide much needed emotional and spiritual care (ESC). As our teams muck out houses, repair roofs and rebuild homes, this team pays particular attention to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the survivor. Hope Force Chaplains have the honor of coming alongside survivors at a time of their greatest need. The stories of changed lives are most compelling. While all Hope Force Reservists are trained in the basic principles of ESC, they are not considered to be Chaplains; however, they can still serve effectively in the areas of basic emotional and spiritual care for the survivors that they encounter. Every Hope Force Reservist should understand that they are called upon to provide a level of appropriate emotional and spiritual care, regardless of their assignment in the field. Hope Force Reservists are called to offer their service with compassion and love for those they are serving – including their fellow responder. If you are interested in acquiring the skill required to serve in Chaplaincy, we would be happy to help you navigate the required training process

Click here for printable standard requirements for Hope Force Chaplains

PROFILE OF A HOPE FORCE CHAPLAIN

  • After completing Hope Force International [HFI] Course:
  • Love for the Lord Jesus Christ
  • Sensitive to the Holy Spirit in ministry
  • Emotional/ Spiritual maturity
  • Sincere interest in helping others
  • Calming affect in troubling situations...  "Ministry of Presence"
  • Servant's heart / Experience in serving
  • Already ministering... serving on a local level
  • Take secondary courses in classroom or on-line
  • Time in field with HFI Chaplains

GENERAL GUIDELINE / REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST

  • Successfully complete HFI Training
  • Complete NCTSN on-line course in Psychological First Aid  NCTSN on-line course
  • NIMS on-line course: Introduction to Incident Command Systems [IS-100.b] [Interactive web-based course]
  • Have a natural ability to relate to others in times of crisis
  • Life experience in dealing with trauma and loss with self and others
  • Mature and steady Christian walk with God
  • Completed background check
  • Pastoral Reference
  • Senior Chaplain recommendation

Standard Requirements for ESC [Emotional Spiritual Care] Workers:

Completion of General Guidelines and work toward completion of one course listed below [or equivalent] within six months:

  • Emotional Spiritual Care - two day classroom course
  • Individual CISM - two day classroom course

Standard Requirements for Hope Force Chaplains:

Meet General Guidelines, Standard Requirements for ESC Workers, and work toward completing the following within 18 months:

  • Grief Following Trauma - two day classroom course
  • Group CISM [Critical Incident Stress Management] - two day classroom course
  • Salvation Army "Introduction to Disaster Services" Course [registration details will come from Hope Force]
  • Volunteer "activity" in your city using "Chaplain skills"
  • Work toward ICISF Certificate in Specialized Training called Spiritual Care in Crisis Intervention www.icisf.org
  • Time in the field with Hope Force Chaplain

Printable Checklist of Requirements