Chaplains Training: Instruments of Healing

Chaplains training 2019 has ended. Our 2020 event will take place September 24-26. We hope you will join us then!

Join us for Chaplains Training 2019! This training is the primary venue by which you, our chaplains, maintain connections to each other and our denomination. It is also an opportunity to learn (14 continuing education hours), hone your spiritual skills, renew your spirit, share best practices, and care for one another. We invite you to bring your significant other as well.

Learn

Our main speakers this year are Rev. Arlo Compaan, Rev. Dr. Neal Plantinga, and Rev. Dr. Sonia Waters. They will provide wisdom, insight, and techniques used in the regulation of shame, pastoral formation, and spiritual interventions for those who struggle with addiction.

In addition to our main speakers, this year we will be introducing a session called Tools for Care. During this time, four CRC chaplains will give short, TEDx style presentations in which they share specific tools, practices, and insight that they have found helpful in their ministry. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn helpful techniques and to hear from your fellow CRC chaplains.

Reconnect

Chaplains Training will not only provide opportunities to learn, but also fellowship and networking with other chaplains. There will be time available to gather with friends, meet other CRC chaplains, share about your ministry, and connect with those in the same areas of ministry. 

Worship

Chaplains Training is also an important time to reconnect with your denominational and chaplain roots. Each day, we will have times for worship, spiritual sharing, and prayer, culminating with communion on Saturday. It’s a time to reconnect with our foundation, to remember who we are and who we serve.

Travel

If you are flying, please book your flight at least 6 weeks prior to the training, or you may be required to reimburse any extra cost. Please visit our travel page (left) for more info.

Grant Funding

Grants are available for students, prospective chaplains, and chaplains who need financial assistance. Our goal is to make this training as accessible as possible for all past, current, and future CRC chaplains. If you need financial assistance, contact our office.

If you have any questions or are having trouble with registration, please contact Matt Hubers at (616) 224-0844 or email chaplaincy@crcna.org.

Praise for Chaplains Training 2018

"I resonated with the pastoral themes, such as "being known and being loved," and it helped me to recall the deep meaning of my ministry."

"All the speakers and the panelists provided meaningful material and perspective."

"I haven't attended in several years, but this was the best Conference I have attended. I'm 81 but if the Lord allows I plan to attend next year! The worship times were very meaningful. The teaching times seemed to reach into the core of our needs. I feel at home with this group of practical servants!"

"It was refreshing to the soul!"

"I appreciated the presentations. They were informative and professional. I especially appreciate being able to interact with other chaplains from the CRC. They are my people and understand my culture."

"Good and ample content with a good time flow -it was not rushed. Lots of opportunity for informal discussion and interpersonal discussions."