Training Workshops

“Ministry in Times of Illness and Loss”

“Ministry in Times of Illness and Loss” is a two-part training course for spiritual caregivers. Intended primarily to train Lifeline Chaplaincy’s pastoral care volunteers, the course is open to all persons interested in developing spiritual care skills. Men and women involved in ministry, church leadership, and helping professions such as medicine, nursing, counseling, and social work have found this training highly valuable in their professional practice and personal lives.

Part 1 (formerly called “Creating a Healing Community”) is an 8.5-hour intensive workshop designed to equip beginning pastoral caregivers with basic skills and concepts. These things will enable them to provide competent spiritual support to patients and families dealing with serious illness and loss. There is a $50 registration fee for part 1.

Part 1 topics include:
• Loss and Crisis
• From Casual Visit to Spiritual Encounter
• Emotions 101
• Perceptions and the Interpersonal Gap
• Basic Listening Strategies and Communication Skills
• Story Listening
• “Why Me?”
• Grief and Grieving
• Self-care for the Pastoral Caregiver
• Effective Hospital Ministry

Part 2 (formerly called “Advanced Listening Skills”) is a 5.5-hour seminar designed to equip experienced pastoral caregivers with advanced skills and concepts. These things will enable them to provide an enhanced level of spiritual support to those in their care. Lifeline volunteers are required to complete Part 2 within one year of completing Part 1. Participants who are not Lifeline volunteers are encouraged to do the same. There is no registration fee for Part 2.

Part 2 topics include:
• Life Commandments
• Listening for and Responding to Spiritual Injury and Distress
• Story Listening in Pastoral Conversation
• Comprehensive Listening Encounter
• Personal Theology of Suffering and Loss