Volunteer Chaplain Training
Within Arm’s Reach
Care that’s always close, when someone is hurting, a trained volunteer is right there.
A 2 day in person group or 8-week virtual training that equips church staff, members, and community volunteers to offer the ministry of presence, so no one in your congregation or community has to walk through a crisis alone.
8 weeks · one 2-hour session per week · $250 per person (materials & certification included)
Care isn’t about always having the right words. It’s about stepping into the journey as a supportive, compassionate presence when someone needs you the most.
A ministry of presence
2 Day in person OR 8 weeks
one 2-hr session weekly
$250
materials & certification included
All faiths
respectfully served
Hands-on
workshops & role-play
What “Within Arm’s Reach” means
Everyone deserves someone who will show up. This training puts a caring, prepared presence within arm’s reach, in your pews, your workplace, your neighborhood, and at the bedside.
Building a strong pastoral care team means trusted volunteers are ready to step in whenever a senior pastor is stretched thin, so that no one has to face a difficult moment alone. It’s a ministry of presence and not about fixing things or having every answer, but about sitting with people in their pain and reminding them they haven’t been forgotten. We don’t want your team approaching this work with anxiety or apprehension because they’re unsure of what to do, but instead we’ll equip them with the skills and understanding they need to serve with confidence.
The curriculum
What you’ll learn
Five core skills at the heart of compassionate care, taught through interactive workshops, role-play, and group reflection.
1
The Art of Listening
Learning to hear what isn’t being said, and to offer full, unhurried attention.
2
Crisis Intervention
How to stay steady and helpful in the first hard moments of an emergency or loss.
3
Grief & Loss Support
Walking with people through mourning without rushing them or minimizing their pain.
4
Self-Care for the Caregiver
Protecting your own heart so you can keep showing up for others as you support them along their journey.
5
Spiritual Diversity
Respectfully serving individuals of all faiths and backgrounds with humility.
★
Evidence-based curriculum
Built on Clinical Pastoral Education and 50+ years of combined developer experience.
Program details
How the training works
A clear, consistent rhythm over three months, designed to fit around real life and real ministry.
Length
2 Day in person OR 8 weeks, with one 2-hour session each week
Curriculum
Evidence-based curriculum built on Clinical Pastoral Education and 50+ years of combined developer experience.
Certificate
A certificate of completion recognizing your volunteer chaplain training
Format
Interactive workshops, verbatim discussion, and group reflection
Cost
$250 per person, which includes all materials and certificate of completion
Start dates
New groups begin throughout the year. See upcoming start dates on our Training & Events page.
Is this calling for you?
Who the training is for
No seminary degree or prior chaplaincy experience required, just a willing heart and a desire to care well.
- Church staff and ministry leaders
- Congregation members who want to serve
- Volunteers serving in hospitals
- Fire departments and first-response settings
- Workplace and marketplace caregivers
- Anyone called to care for their neighborhood
Not sure which is right?
Volunteer training vs. professional CPE
Within Arm’s Reach (this program)
Lay-level volunteer training for compassionate care in your church, workplace, and community. 2 Day in person OR 8 weeks, $250, certificate of completion, no prerequisites.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Nationally recognized, graduate-level training toward professional, board-certified chaplaincy. Explore CPE training →
Getting started
Ready to start your journey?
1
Reserve your spot
Register your volunteers online in a couple of minutes.
2
Get your materials
Receive your training materials and welcome details.
3
Meet weekly for 8 weeks or 2 days in person group (8 or more required)
Learn together through workshops, role-play, and reflection.
4
Serve with confidence
Finish certified and ready to bring care within arm’s reach.
From participants
What graduates say
“I have been through many trainings and this is one of the best. Kim and Scott know their stuff and always take the time to answer every question in great detail with examples. I wish the training lasted longer than 12 weeks. I miss my cohort.”
Craig H. · Volunteer Chaplain Training Graduate
Questions
Frequently asked
How much does it cost, and what’s included?
$250 per person, which includes all training materials and a certificate of completion.
How long is the training?
2 Day in person (minimum number of participants) or 8 weeks, meeting once a week for a 2-hour session, about three months total.
Do I need any experience or a degree?
No. This is lay-level volunteer training open to church staff, members, and community volunteers, no seminary degree or prior chaplaincy experience required.
What will I be able to do afterward?
You’ll be equipped to offer a ministry of presence, listening, crisis support, grief care, and compassionate service to people of all faiths, in your church, workplace, or community, with a certificate of completion.
How is this different from CPE?
This is volunteer, lay-level training. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is nationally recognized, graduate-level training toward professional, board-certified chaplaincy. See our CPE Chaplain Training page for that path.
When does the next group start?
New groups begin throughout the year. See our Training & Events page for the next start date and how to reserve your spot.
Ready to begin?
Reserve space for your volunteers
Bring the ministry of presence within arm’s reach in your congregation and community. Register today to hold your spots in the next cohort.
Email or call our office for more information: (888) 685-5040 · Info@CommunityChaplainNetwork.org