Section outline

  • Fire/EMS Chaplaincy

    Biblically grounded training for serving firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics with competence, compassion, and presence.

    1 Credit • 75-Minute Quizzes • 180-Day Deadline
    Enroll me

    Are you called to stand alongside firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics in moments of crisis with Christ-centered presence, courage, and care?

    This course equips chaplains to serve with competence, compassion, and biblical wisdom in the unique culture of the fire service, preparing them to provide spiritual presence at crisis scenes, support responder wellness, navigate trauma and multi-faith contexts, and minister within the FEMA Incident Command System.
    Course Purpose

    The Fire/EMS Chaplain Training Course prepares volunteer, part-time, and full-time chaplains to serve with credibility in the unique culture of the fire service. Students learn to understand responder life, trauma exposure, wellness struggles, crisis response, and the relational dynamics of station-based ministry.

    This course introduces the pastoral and spiritual roles of the chaplain, including functioning at emergency scenes as a psycho-social-spiritual safety officer and practicing member observation and referral when signs of distress appear. Special focus is given to the FEMA Incident Command System so chaplains understand how to serve effectively within emergency management structures.

    The course also emphasizes the ministry of presence—the simple but profound act of showing up at the firehouse, attending meetings, and building trust over time. Students receive training in funeral guidelines for Fire/EMS services, comparative religion issues, and spiritual support in multi-faith contexts.

    By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to embody Christ’s love in high-stakes moments, walking alongside Fire/EMS professionals and their families with courage, humility, and care.

    Course Overview

    Instructor

    Leadership

    Rev. David C. Baker PhD with Rev. Henry Reyenga

    Degree Credit

    Academic Pathway

    This course is worth 1 academic credit and may be applied toward select degree programs through Christian Leaders College.

    Students pursuing ministry training through the Christian Leaders Institute may complete this course as part of their academic pathway toward a ministry degree.

    Course Outcomes

    By the end of this course, students will be able to:

    • Explain the need and role of chaplains in Fire/EMS settings.
    • Understand the culture of the firehouse, including the dynamics of gallows humor and peer bonding.
    • Recognize the emotional and spiritual toll of trauma and repeated exposure to crisis.
    • Identify suicide risk factors, wellness challenges, and strategies for stigma reduction.
    • Serve effectively in spiritual roles within stations and at emergency crisis scenes.
    • Integrate chaplaincy into the FEMA ICS system with professionalism.
    • Practice the ministry of availability by cultivating presence and relational trust.
    • Conduct Fire/EMS funeral services with dignity and pastoral sensitivity.
    • Navigate comparative religion contexts, offering respectful support in multi-faith environments.

    Who Should Enroll

    This course is designed for volunteer chaplains, part-time or full-time ministers, and lay leaders who feel called to serve in the Fire/EMS community.

    It is ideal for those seeking ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance, as well as anyone wanting to combine pastoral care with frontline emergency service ministry. Training is provided through the Christian Leaders Institute.

    Assignments & Quiz Policies

    Assignments: View all video lectures. After viewing all readings and lectures for the unit, take the quiz based on the lectures and readings (100% of grade). You may refer back to them as you take the quizzes.
    Quiz time limit: 75 minutes.
    Quiz attempts: 1 attempt per quiz.

    Grading Scale

    LetterPercent LetterPercent LetterPercent
    A93–100%A-90–92%B+87–89%
    B83–86%B-80–82%C+77–79%
    C73–76%C-70–72%D+67–69%
    D63–66%D-60–62%F0–59%
    Minimum passing requirement: Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.

    Course Deadline

    Deadline: You have 180 days to finish the course. Complete all assignments before the final deadline, or you will be automatically unenrolled, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and retake the class to receive credit.

    Final Feedback Survey

    The last assignment will ask for your feedback regarding this course. As you study and watch videos, please note any suggestions or issues you may have noticed to improve this course for students in the future.

    Ready to begin? Scroll up and click the “Enroll me” button to get started.