MIN 231 - Chaplain Foundations (1 Credit)
Topic outline
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✝️ Chaplain Foundations (1 Credit)Instructors: Rev. Chaplain Tom Walcott and Rev. Henry Reyenga
Course Description:
This course introduces the essential practices of chaplaincy. Designed for volunteer, part-time, or full-time chaplains, it provides foundational education to serve as officiating chaplains—spiritual leaders who guide others through life’s defining moments with grace, presence, and biblical authority.Grounded in the Ministry Sciences approach of Christian Leaders Institute, this course explores how chaplain-led ceremonies function as means of grace that foster healing, identity, transformation, and community wholeness.
Rather than focusing on weddings and funerals (which are covered in separate CLI courses), this training highlights the wide range of ceremonies and micro-moments chaplains are called to lead: blessings, dedications, public prayers, milestone recognitions, transitions, crisis response, and more.
Students will gain tools for discerning spiritual moments, building trust in public and institutional settings, and sustaining their calling over the long term.
Through engaging video teachings, ministry readings, and five quizzes, students will grow in confidence and competence to serve as recognized Chaplain Officiants in their communities.
✅ Course Outcomes:
Students who complete this course will be equipped to:- Articulate how their personal testimony connects to their chaplain calling
- Define and name their chaplain parish (circle of influence or visitation)
- Lead a wide variety of spiritual and ceremonial moments with depth and humility
- Understand their role as a “non-anxious presence” in crisis or transition
- Apply biblical foundations of blessing, prayer, discernment, and presence
- Represent the Christian faith with clarity, love, and legitimacy in public settings
- Develop a sustainable rhythm of rest, reflection, and community support
- Complete the credentialing process for Chaplain Officiant recognition
- Launch or affiliate a Soul Center to anchor their chaplain parish
Course Structure & Requirements
- Resources: All course content is provided through readings and video lectures.
- Assignments:
- Watch all video lectures
- Complete all required readings
- Take quizzes based on lectures and readings (100% of the grade)
- Quizzes are open-book and have a 75-minute time limit
Grading ScaleLetter Grade
Percent Value (%)
Quality Points Value
A
93-100
4.0
A-
90-92
3.7
B+
87-89
3.3
B
83-86
3.0
B-
80-82
2.7
C+
77-79
2.3
C
73-76
2.0
C-
70-72
1.7
D+
67-69
1.3
D
63-66
1.0
D-
60-62
0.7
F
0-59
0.0
Note: A minimum average of 60% is required to pass the course. Otherwise, you will fail and receive no credit.
Course Deadline- You have 180 days to complete the course.
- All assignments must be submitted before the deadline.
- If the deadline is missed, you will be administratively withdrawn and all coursework will be removed.
- To receive credit, you will need to re-enroll and re-start the course.
Final Feedback SurveyThe last activity will ask for your feedback regarding the course. As you study and watch videos, please take note of any suggestions or issues to help improve this course for future students.
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