Launching Public School Chaplains

"Be Ordained. Be Prepared. Be Present."

🔁 Recap & Reflection

Henry:

“This is our last presentation. You’ve heard a lot—from the sessions, readings, and quizzes. Now it’s time to consider: Will you take the mantle? Will you answer the call to be a public school chaplain?”

🏫 Public Schools: Mission Fields

• Emotional, spiritual, and moral needs
• Chaplains bring calm care and hope
• You may be the only spiritual voice a student or staff member ever hears
• This is frontline ministry—it changes lives

Tom:

“Public schools get criticized, but where there are great needs, there are also great opportunities. Teachers have changed lives. Chaplains can too—in different but powerful ways.”

💡 What You Represent: Peace & Presence

Tom:

“There’s no shortage of people yelling at kids for running or being late. But there’s a shortage of peaceful, compassionate adults who just care. Be that presence. Be that light.”

✅ Step One: Be Ordained Through a Reputable Program

• Complete study-based training
• Choose a legitimate ordination body:
• Christian Leaders Alliance
• A credible denomination or organization
• Avoid "certificate mills"—no shortcuts!

Tom:

“I once reviewed a Navy chaplain applicant who submitted fraudulent credentials. It showed not just a lack of education—but a lack of integrity.”

“Shortcuts don’t help anyone—not you, and not the students you’re called to serve.”

📚 Study Prepares You for Real Challenges

• Take courses in:
• Trauma care
• Ethics
• Confidentiality
• Comparative religion
• Learn about the community you'll serve
• Understand the cultures, backgrounds, and faiths present

Tom:

“Even with good training, chaplaincy will challenge you. Without training? You’re risking more than just your confidence—you’re risking the trust of students.”

🔗 Be Transparent About Your Training

• CLI makes it easy to share links to the actual courses you’ve taken
• Invite superintendents or school staff to preview the curriculum
• Let them see your seriousness and preparedness

Henry:

“You’re taking the same course principals will expect their team to take. Surprise them—in a good way.”

🧾 Step Two: Prepare Your Introduction Letter & Resume

✉️ One-Page Introduction Letter

• Warm, respectful, professional
• Clearly state your non-proselytizing role
• Express your desire to serve and build trust
• Highlight relevant experience in:
• Ministry
• Education
• Crisis care
• Counseling
• Volunteer service

📄 Resume

• Outline your qualifications
• Include ordination and training details
• Add endorsements if available

🕊️ Maintain Good Standing With Your Ordaining Body

• Stay active in your calling
• Meet any continuing education or accountability requirements
• Uphold character and integrity
• Represent your ordaining body well—you’re their ambassador in the field

🎓 Final Session (Part 2): Steps to Begin Your Public School Chaplaincy

📄 Step 2 (continued): Include Volunteer Work

• Show community involvement beyond the parish
• Highlight work with diverse populations
• Especially relevant if you’re a retired educator or have school experience

📬 Step 3: Reach Out to the Right Leader

• Identify: Superintendent, Principal, or Assistant Principal
• Send your letter and resume with a warm, respectful introduction
• Clarify your goal: to serve under their authority and policies
• Follow up politely to request a short meeting

Tom:

“That’s just all very good.”

🤝 Step 4: Request a Meeting

• Be clear and concise—aim for 20–30 minutes
• Explain what chaplaincy is and is not
• Emphasize your willingness to comply with school policy and law
• Ask good questions and listen more than you speak

Tom:

“They may never have thought about this role before. You can help them imagine the good it could bring to their school.”

🎓 Step 5: Present Your Credentials & Readiness

• Bring:
• Ordination Certificate
• Training Transcript
• Background Check (or offer to submit one)
• Demonstrate understanding of:
• FERPA
• First Amendment
• District policies
• Show humility and a readiness to learn and serve

Tom:

“They need to see you're not there to ‘fix’ the school—but to humbly serve with love and wisdom.”

🪴 Step 6: Offer to Start Small

• Suggest:
• Volunteer in a limited capacity
• Be present during lunch
• Support staff through encouragement
• Assist in grief response situations
• Let them see your consistency and professionalism over time

Henry:

“Avoid coming in hot with legislation or entitlement. Let your service speak for itself.”

📨 Step 7: Follow Up With Professionalism and Patience

• Respect their process and timeline
• Send a thank-you note after your meeting
• Stay connected, not pushy
• Keep training and growing
• Network with other chaplains when possible

Henry:

“Connect with others in the field. Take more CLI classes like Comparative Religion, Christian Basics, or Ethics. We have over 200 courses that fit this calling.”

🙏 Commissioning & Final Blessing

Henry:

“Go forward in prayer and preparation. Be bold but humble, wise and watchful. Be the calm, the care, and the quiet light in every hallway. Let Christ shine through your presence.”

“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

🙏 Final Prayer: Chaplain Tom

“May God guide your steps, strengthen your spirit, and multiply your ministry.
Your next mission starts now—go and serve the Lord. Amen.”

Henry:

“Thank you, Tom. I learned so much during this process, and I bless every one of you listening to go forward in your mission and your calling. We look forward to hearing the stories of ministry ahead.
May God bless you.”