🎄 The Identity and Credibility of a Seasonal Chaplain

🔔 A Calling, Not a Costume

Henry:
We’re back in the Holiday or Christmas Chaplain course, and we’re digging into our next section here.

The first thing to realize is that this is a calling.
There are people, Abby, who just have that Christmas passion.

Abby:
Definitely. Maybe Christmas meant a lot to them as a child…
Or maybe it was a hard season—and now they feel called to bring hope to others who struggle during this time.

🧑‍🎄 Saint Nicholas: The First Christmas Chaplain?

Henry:
A Christmas chaplain might not wear a collar—we don’t really get into that at Christian Leaders Alliance. But whether or not it’s formal, we embrace volunteer ordinations.

Did you know Saint Nicholas, born in 270 AD, served the poor and gave gifts? He was even present at the Council of Nicaea.

So in a way, Saint Nicholas is the first Christmas chaplain.

Abby:
That’s fascinating! The Church’s story around Santa Claus traces back to a real man of faith.

👀 Eyes to See What Others Overlook

Abby:
As you're taking this training, consider how you are uniquely positioned to fill emotional and spiritual gaps during the holidays.

There’s that long list of 50 ideas for what a Christmas Chaplain can do—and all of them meet real needs.

For example:

Hosting a service for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Praying over each individual during a difficult holiday.

🙏 A Spirit-Led Calling

Henry:
This is a Holy Spirit calling—a calling to be a minister of presence.

It's not about institutional recognition—it’s about God’s commission.

Abby:
This isn’t necessarily a traditional church service. It’s incarnational—bringing the presence of Christ into all sorts of places.

🎓 Warm Intentions Aren’t Enough — Training Matters

Abby:
While this is a Spirit-led calling, credibility and training are crucial.

That’s why we put this course together. We also offer other chaplaincy classes like:

• Chaplaincy Foundations

• Additional specialized training

We need Spirit-filled, trustworthy, and equipped chaplains. People will come to you with deep theological questions—and while you don’t need all the answers, you need to be prepared.

🛠️ CLI Training Empowers Real Ministry

Henry:
That’s why we offer free ministry training at Christian Leaders Institute.
It’s practical, accessible, and gets you ready to actually do ministry.

This Christmas Chaplain role is a toe-in-the-water—a way to step into ministry and see where God takes you.

Abby:
Maybe people already call you the Christmas elf because you spread joy at nursing homes or drop off gifts. But remember:

You are a minister, not a decoration.
Your words and actions carry spiritual weight.

You are an ambassador of Christ, carrying the message of reconciliation.

📚 Theology and Emotional Intelligence

Abby:
These symbolic roles require both:

• Theological grounding

• Emotional intelligence

An ambassador carries Christ’s authority into every encounter.

Even though "Christmas chaplain" is a symbolic title, it’s a big theological deal, especially when people are hungry for truth during the holidays.

✝️ A Student of the Season

Being grounded in Scripture and understanding the meaning of Christmas matters.

• It’s about the Incarnation—God entering into human brokenness

• It’s about redemption through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection

That creates evangelistic opportunity—especially for:

• People who have walked away from their faith

• People who’ve never heard the Gospel

Henry:
This army of chaplains will be stewards of the brand.

We will not let the world forget:
The reason for the season is Jesus Christ.

📣 Turning Conversation into Gospel Opportunity

Christ came as a baby to walk with humanity.

Emmanuel: God with us.

That theological truth transforms seasonal conversations into gospel opportunities.

Before each conversation, pray:

“God, let me be your ambassador in this moment.”

Abby:
Even the word “chaplain” sparks interest.

Someone may ask,

“What is a Christmas Chaplain?”
You can say:
“We love Christmas—but we love the reason for the season even more!”

🚪 Chaplaincy Is Invitation, Not Imposition

Henry:
A chaplain isn’t a door-knocking evangelist.
You’re not pushing your way into someone’s world.

Abby:
You are a safe space for people to approach.
Don’t intimidate. Be open.

You’ll need both:

• Emotional intelligence

• Spiritual readiness

🥀 The Emotional Layers of the Season

Abby:
Holidays bring up deep grief for many.

We’ll talk more in our Blue Christmas Training, but for now—know this:

Some people are experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one.

💔 Don’t Add Pain Through Misguided Comfort

Abby:
I’m reminded of a course we did with Pastor Dr. Bruce Ballast.

He shared how sometimes, well-meaning people visit someone who’s dying of cancer and say:

“Here’s how you should handle this.”
“God’s got a plan!”

Instead of comfort, these words created more pain—even anger at God.

What people really need is someone to:

• Come alongside them

• Love them

• Be present

💗 Loving Your Neighbor Well

Abby:
As chaplains, we get to live out the Great Commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart…
And love your neighbor as yourself.

This is pastoral care:

• Emotional awareness

• Spirit-led discernment

Don’t assume you need to quote a Bible verse to fix things.

Instead, ask:

“Would you like me to share a verse with you?”

😢 Allow Space for Lament

Abby:
Not everyone is grateful at Christmas.
And that’s okay.

Scripture is full of Psalms of lament.

Let’s be chaplains who:

• Join people in their sorrow

• Point them gently to Christ

• Avoid pressure or guilt

🌱 Foster Resilience and Adaptive Presence

Ministry presence isn’t about performance.

It’s about:

• Listening

• Adapting

• Being present