KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 8/23/24)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) announces open registration for the Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry course for faith leaders that begins October 7. Discounted pricing is available until September 1. 

The six-week certificate program is designed to equip chaplains, pastoral counselors and specialized ministers with essential competencies in areas that include multicultural dynamics, active listening, trauma response and grief. Each week’s learning will feature the expertise of a board-certified chaplain on a specific topic: 

• Week 1: The Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, ABHMS ecclesiastical endorser, will introduce learners to the role of chaplaincy, focusing on the foundational principles of soul care and spiritual support in diverse ministry settings.  

• Week 2: The Rev. Dr. Patricia Wilson-Cone, a seasoned multicultural ministry expert, will delve into the complexities of ministering in multicultural environments, offering guidance on how to navigate and honor cultural differences effectively. 

• Week 3: The Rev. Dr. Janet McCormack, a specialist in pastoral care, will guide the cohort through the critical skills of active listening, empathy and grief counseling, essential for providing compassionate care in a variety of pastoral situations. 

• Week 4: The Rev. Dr. Brian Ellis-Gibbs, a senior pastor and scholar, will share his expertise in trauma and crisis response to impart knowledge about how to support individuals and communities during critical and challenging times. 

• Week 5: The Rev. Dr. José Tate, chief of Chaplain Services with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, will focus on grief and loss, presenting case studies and practical strategies for supporting those who are mourning, as well as exploring the emotional and spiritual complexities of bereavement. 

• Week 6: Chaplain and ethics consultant the Rev. Dr. Anne Dondapati-Allen will address the intersection of pastoral care and biomedical ethics, guiding participants through the ethical challenges that arise in healthcare settings, including integrating spirituality into patient care and navigating difficult ethical dilemmas. 

To meet the needs of working professionals, this virtual course consists of synchronous online sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. ET on consecutive Mondays through November 18. 

Participants who successfully complete this practical course will be eligible to apply for Associate Endorsement for Community Chaplaincy with American Baptist Churches USA; receive a free six-month membership to the American Baptist Network of Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Spiritual Directors & Specialized Ministers; and have access to a private community on ABHMS’ ministrElife platform (ministrElife.org) for ongoing networking and information on contemporary best practices.  

Spaces are limited for this highly sought-after cohort. Visit Chaplaincy Skills for Community Ministry to learn more, and register by September 1 to enjoy $25 off the regular price. 

The ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning provides high-quality educational opportunities for Baptist leaders and laity. Its mission is to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical skills required to lead and serve effectively in their communities. To see other courses on offer, visit ccl.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.