NOW is the time to infuse your program with new energy, train new leadership, or bring this powerful Prayer Chaplain Program to your ministry.  

 

February 26-28, El Cajon, California - There are only a few spaces left for this training.  Call us to register now!

March 26-28, Charlotte, North Carolina - Early bird registration deadline is February 26th.  Call us to register now!

Check our website at www.lightandloveministries.org for additional training dates for 2009.

 

 

Light and Love Ministries will be hosting a Prayer Chaplain and Prayer Chaplain Trainer's lunch at the Unity People's Convention on Friday, June 12th, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.  immediately following the Silent Unity Prayer Service led by Rev. Lei Lanni.   We hope that you and any of your Prayer Chaplains attending convention will join us for this opportunity to connect with others from around the country, hear about updates to the Program, and be reminded and inspired by this sacred service.

 

To attend, you will need to register for the Convention and purchase a ticket to the luncheon.  Please refer to your Convention brochure for details.

Last month we talked about the importance of a good structure for your monthly meetings that creates opportunities for your Prayer Chaplains to deepen their practice of holding spiritual space and their relationships with eachother.  "If you build it, they will come."  This month, we want to focus on specific components that will help you build monthly meetings that your Prayer Chaplains will not want to miss.

 

Training Component - Expanding upon the foundational frameworks in the Prayer Chaplain manual provides spiritual growth and a deepened awareness of this sacred service.  If your monthly training piece is to focus on holding spiritual space you might create an experiential experience so they can more deeply understand the concept.  As an example, when the meeting starts, help them become aware of the energy of the group that was created from rushing to the meeting, a long day at work, etc.  Then have them go back outside, quite and center themselves by breathing and anchoring in their heart space and then come back in to the room.  Can you feel the difference?  How has the energy shifted from before to now?  

 

Inspiration and Encouragement Component - This is vital to being supportive with your Prayer Chaplains as they continue to be fully present with congregants and themselves as transformation is occuring.  For example, use a short video, article, or story that speaks to the overcoming power of God in people's lives.

 

Things to remember:  It is important that your monthly meetings do not take on the feel of a support group where most of the time is spent in personal sharing, and continue to reinforce the foundational piece about confidentiality.

 

We at Light and Love Ministries are available to dialogue with you about any part of your program and to assist you in troubleshooting or infusing new ideas.

1.  Be prepared - Be ready for all training sessions and monthly meetings.  Once your Prayer Chaplains arrive, don't keep them waiting.  If you expect punctuality, lead by example.

 

2.  Make your Prayer Chaplains feel welcome - When you first meet them don't be afraid to show your enthusaism.

 

3.  Introduce your Prayer Chaplains to staff members and ministers - When they come to the office to make their monthly calls or when serving on Sunday, don't hesitate to introduce them to staff and ministers and express your appreicatiation for their service.

 

4.  Set expectations - Be clear about their training and service requirements.

 

5.  Train sufficiently - The training pieces of the program should not be short-cut or optional.

 

6.  Create gound rules - Your Prayer Chaplains will appreciate and feel secure in understanding their role and the support that is in place for them to be successful.

 

7.  Show appreciation - Praise your Prayer Chaplains for a job well done, for keeping their committments, and for their sacred service to the ministry.

 

 

 

Updated affirmations and beautiful photos will assist you in that 18 inch journey from your head to your heart!  Organized by category, this prayer album will help you center yourself and pray with others during wellness calling and/or support you in your personal prayer life.