Video Transcript: What Not to Do: Taking Sides Too Fast or Acting Like Security

🎥 Video 9B Transcript: What Not to Do: Taking Sides Too Fast or Acting Like Security

Hi, I am Haley, a Christian Leaders Institute presenter.

When conflict rises in homeless community ministry, chaplains can make mistakes that increase tension. Two common mistakes are taking sides too fast and acting like security.

Taking sides too fast happens when a chaplain hears one part of the story and immediately decides who is right, who is wrong, who is dangerous, or who deserves correction. Sometimes the situation is clear and staff must act quickly. But often the chaplain does not know the whole story. A person may be reacting to shame, fear, theft, trauma, addiction struggle, or a long pattern of feeling ignored.

A chaplain should not say, “You are the problem,” or “You always do this,” or “Why can’t you just be grateful?” These words may deepen shame and make conflict worse.

The second mistake is acting like security. Chaplains are not law enforcement, guards, bouncers, or crowd-control officers. If a situation becomes unsafe, the chaplain should involve staff, ministry leaders, or emergency support according to protocol. The chaplain should not physically intervene, block exits, threaten people, or try to prove authority.

A chaplain may still help lower tension. The chaplain can use a calm voice, create space, listen briefly, and help a person connect with the right staff member. But the chaplain must know the limit of the role.

What not to do includes arguing in front of others, preaching at an angry person, forcing prayer, touching someone without permission, following someone into an isolated place, or promising to fix the situation personally.

What helps is quieter and stronger.

A chaplain may say, “I want to understand what happened, but I also want to keep this safe.” Or, “I am not the person who makes that decision, but I can walk with you to ask staff.” Or, “Let’s take one step back from the crowd.”

Sometimes the most faithful ministry is restraint. Do not become the judge. Do not become security. Do not become the rescuer. Be a steady Christian presence who respects the setting, honors dignity, and knows when to involve help.