From Chaplains to Chaplains
Chaplains Corner
A place for Chaplains to encourage other Chaplains
Maximize your chaplaincy self-care by also engaging with other chaplain’s communication. We hope if you are a volunteer or case worker practicing chaplaincy skills, you may also find encouragement in each Corner Communication.
Read the works of chaplains and/or submit your own words of comfort or encouragement to Living Shield Ministries for review and use in an upcoming Corner Communication.
Corner Communications
Care
Chaplain Lynne writes:
Care
I am writing this post on the third anniversary of our Founder Chaplain Steve Ballinger’s death.
To say that he is missed is an understatement, yet we do feel his leadership each day, as we move forward in his legacy of service. Chaplain Steve had deep beliefs on the need for competent crisis and spiritual training for individuals who serve those in the midst of trauma, and the crisis it brings.
September 11, 2026, is the 25th Anniversary of the horrific events of “9/11”. The images never leave you.
Afterwards, Chaplain Steve quickly traveled to the disaster site with a team to support the first responders and the people of the community. He shared a personal story with me of standing on a street corner with the rubble before him, the people of the community moving around them in a dazed way still, and as he looked down, he saw a gutter full of paper. Most were religious tracts, that people had tossed away. While they were brought by good people, with caring intentions and giving hearts, there was no understanding of the trauma and crisis process. He saw many examples of the need for relevant crisis training.
Living Shield ministries really was grown out of that experience. Chaplain Steve recognized the need to have competent critical incident care training for even the lay person. To not just have a heart to help, but to know how to help.
We seek, in the midst of lifting up those who were falling under the weight of their horror, “to do no harm”. Living Shield delivers a focus on training around continuously assessing and ministering to the individuals in five key domains: emotional, mental, physical, behavioral, and spiritual.
Using a peaceful, loving, compassionate and empathic witness to their pain, we work to help them regain a balance within themselves – To bring them hope amid one of their hardest times. To become that Living Shield about them, as they process their grief and pain.
In the last year of Chaplain Steve’s life, Living Shield created a series of classes to intertwine the spiritual aspects into to the crisis training already employed. Living Shield Ministries teaches chaplain-enriching classes with a level of excellence that Chaplain Steve envisioned, honors God and brings hope to communities. Supporting someone fully means caring for their spiritual well-being, as well.
Living Shield is also deeply committed to helping chaplains practice self-care.
Chaplain, do you have a Chaplain? Have you learned about Self Care? Emotional, Physical, Mental and spiritual Self Care? What has been the most helpful to you in your Self Care?
If you are a chaplain with a desire to take our Self Care course, please reach out to me! I would love to see if we can arrange a scholarship for you (email- chaplainlynneb@gmail.com).
Chaplains helping chaplains!
Praying for you!
Chaplain Lynne
(please click here to go to comments to add prayer request)
Meditation
Psalm 18:30
As for God,
His way is perfect.
The Lord’s word is flawless.
He shields all those who take refuge in Him.
Chaplains versus Pastors
Chaplain Lynne writes: Chaplain vs. Pastor: Understanding Two Distinct Callings I wrote a few months ago about a Chaplain’s purpose, outlining the role of a Chaplain and the importance of remembering that purpose. Since then, I have had several conversations about the...
Rest
Chaplain Lynne writes: Many Chaplains are finding themselves pushed to their limits. We are experiencing a building need for Chaplains. Those who are currently serving, are called upon to increasing demands. This high demand on Chaplains, can lead to burnout and...
What do you imagine you see in the face of God?
Chaplain Lynne writes: I interacted with a woman this week who shared a very negative engagement her family had with a Chaplain (that is, a poorly trained Chaplain) during the unexpected loss of her infant child. She shared that without knowing her, or her family,...
Corner Opportunities
Contribute to the Corner
We are currently collecting one-page encouraging messages to be shared in future editions of the Chaplains Corner. A Living Shield Ministries board member will evaluate the submission and decide when to use it, after communicating back with you.
A Path Forward
At times someone helps us on the path of chaplaincy in an encouraging way. Here is an opportunity to help other chaplains. Consider sponsoring a chaplain you know to attend the School of Chaplaincy.
Add Light to the Corner
Light the way for poor prospective chaplains by contributing to the scholarship fund used by Living Shield Ministries to help educate more chaplains. Help a student start class with a scholarship.
Join the School of Chaplaincy
We are all “works-in-progress”. Take a major step towards enhancing your listening skills and get updated on the latest information for Chaplains. Practice what you’ve learned and/or will learn with others that share the same interest, so you can better share your experiences with your community. Together, we can make a difference.