We are excited to offer this course to inspire and empower chaplains in their crucial work. Dive into the science behind pastoral ministry and explore the complexities of dealing with trauma in this carefully designed learning experience which is delivered live online.
What people say about the course:
- “Fresh, challenging thinking on the role of Chaplaincy – highly recommended” Andrew
- “The Chaplaincy course has lifted my spirits, strengthened my conviction that it is an important ministry, given me confidence, and energised me for the challenges ahead.” David
- “The course covers many aspects of the role of a chaplain. Time is given for interaction with others for exchanging ideas and giving mutual support. This was amazingly valuable. Thank you.” Rachel
This course is made up of three workshops running from 10:30-12:30, on the 5th, 12th and 19th February with an optional follow up session on 26th February
Who is it for?
Chaplains in any sector or context, either paid or voluntary, experienced chaplains and those new to the work.
What will it cover?
The training explores Christian approaches to human flourishing in mind, body and spirit. The aim is to help chaplains deepen the support they offer from theological, scientific and practical perspectives. Key topics will include loss and trauma, why storytelling leads to healing and how to feel confident in the unique value of chaplaincy in a multi-disciplinary setting.
Who created it?
Crucially, the training needs were identified with significant input from active chaplains supporting people experiencing complex mental and spiritual health challenges, including trauma, suicidal ideation, adverse childhood experiences and homelessness. The course was then designed by GoHealth in consultation with the YMCA* drawing on the skills of education professionals, trauma specialists, theologians, scientists and professional filmmakers. It is now piloted extensively and further improved since 2024. The content utilises leading research from a number of academic disciplines including science, medicine and psychology.
How will it be delivered?
The training will be delivered as a virtual gathering via Zoom. Each two-hour session will include professionally recorded teaching videos, reflective exercises, small group discussion and larger group feedback. It will be delivered by expert facilitators and trainers to ensure the highest possible standard.
When does it take place?
The course runs from 10:30-12:30 (with a ten-minute break) on:
- Thursday 5th February
- Thursday 12th February
- Thursday 19th February
- Optional follow up session on 26th February
After booking, please add all three dates to your calendar.
*Please book on the website or if you would like to get an invoice for the course and book in that way, please get in contact
More details on the content
- What is Christian Healing?
We begin by exploring the foundations of a pastoral ministry and how the Christian healing ministry is at the heart of the faithful living. Taking seriously both our biblical inheritance and a deep interpretation of the healing miracles, we will set the tone for the discussions of your experience to date and how this builds into a confident holistic ministry.
- From Healing to Flourishing
What does it mean to flourish in general and what might this mean for Christians in their own healing and in the vocation to bring healing to others? What might the combined wisdom of science and scripture have to say to us about the vital role of connection and community? How can we put all of this into daily practice with a renewed sense purpose?
- Trauma and Loss
In this film, and with input from Hilary Ison we will be exploring the field of trauma and loss, examining the root causes, the science and the spiritual impacts of this experience, before moving on to advice for chaplains engaged with those who have been traumatised. Following the film, we’ll work in groups to unpack the learning and explore how it might be implemented in our own settings.
- Narrative medicine
In this final session we’ll build on our previous learning by looking at the field known as Narrative Medicine. What is it? How does it work? What is the evidence? And crucially, how do we make more use of it in our desire to help those whom Jesus calls us to love?
*The course was originally funded by and developed with One YMCA, YMCA England and Wales, and YMCA Burton-On-Trent. We pleased to continue to work with them in getting this course to the widest possible audience.
This online course is led by Graham Fender-Allison
Graham Fender-Allison
Graham is the Liturgy and Learning Partner for the Guild. He is a Glasgow-based liturgist, facilitator and educator. He brings to this role 20 years of experience in theology, group facilitation, spiritual direction, community education and online resourcing.
Contributors to the course
The Revd. Dr. Gillian Straine
The Revd. Dr. Gillian Straine is passionately committed to health, healing and Christian living. She is a cancer survivor, Anglican priest, theologian and scientist with a strong interest in communication and teaching. She has a doctorate in Physics from Imperial College London and an MA in Theology from the University of Oxford.
The Revd. Hilary Ison
The Revd. Hilary Ison is an ordained Anglican priest, and has experience as a parish priest, hospice chaplain, adviser for women in ministry and member of a Bishop’s senior staff team. She is trained in Organisational Consultancy (Psycho-dynamic Approaches) and in Systems Constellations, a method of exploring traumatic events and difficult personal and organisational issues in individual or group settings.