It has been a privilege and honor to have been a part of a groundbreaking Pilot program to teach, equip, and empower Rural Pastors to see themselves as a major stakeholder in their Communities. The concept of a Chaplain has grown from its origins as a Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Dept. and EMS ministry to clubs and organizations that may be on the fringe of traditional ministry avenues. The concept of a Community Chaplain in a rural setting truly captures the heart of what it means to pastor your whole community. Most rural pastors will find themselves ministering to not only their congregation but to the whole community when tragedy strikes and find they are woefully unprepared.

First Responder chaplain training is a great resource for this unpreparedness and very needed. The Community Chaplain course takes you beyond that and opens your eyes to a plethora of new opportunities to connect with the major stakeholders and leaders of your community. The stakeholders are those who lead and influence the direction, health, and growth of a community. This course teaches that a rural pastor is and should be one of the most grounded stakeholders in their community leading with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Growing up in a rural setting as a pastor’s kid and then becoming a rural pastor I thought I understood the assignment. This course took my window view from a sliver opening in the curtain to the wide-open picture window of opportunities. From the class work and papers to the cohort connections and Zoom meetings, I have grown in spirit and knowledge. Studying and learning with other pastors from all around the United States with different cultures allows you to see new ways of overcoming common struggles. The community and camaraderie that is developed in this program will last a lifetime bringing encouragement and support.

The final week allowed us to see and be inspired by two local churches that were making a difference in their communities using the concepts we had learned. The time at the National office allowed for great training from our Lead Chaplains, encouragement from our National Leaders and a time of celebration with new lifelong friends. This has been the journey of a lifetime and I recommend it to anyone pastoring in a rural setting.

– Dwayne T.
Northwest Ministry Network