Prayer Chaplaincy Program

Welcome to Unity Christ Church's Prayer Chaplaincy Program

In support of our mission and vision, we are committed to reaching out in prayer, comfort and support to our congregation. As Unity Christ Church continues to grow, our Prayer Chaplains serve to meet the needs of our extended community.

Completing the Prayer Chaplain training and "being" a Prayer Chaplain is transformational soul work. As you discover your greatness and the greatness of others, we are here to support you as you make this next step on your spiritual journey.

We invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a Prayer Chaplain. It is a unique service that differs from many of the other volunteer opportunities in terms of commitment-level and responsibilities. The following information is provided as a basic introduction to the concept and how it works.

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Prayer Chaplain Defined

A Prayer Chaplain is someone who:
- will create and hold a spiritual space with you
- will lovingly listen to you
- will pray with you
- holds what is shared in the strictest confidence

How does a Prayer Chaplain differ from a hospital or care facility Chaplain?
Unlike hospital chaplains, Prayer Chaplains are not ordained and are not trained to counsel people. Prayer Chaplains are trained to do three things only: hold spiritual space, listen, and pray. They do not go out and "minister" to the community-at-large, but are trained a a lay resource to help meet the pastoral care needs within our church community.
 
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Time Commitment

The Prayer Chaplain Team is a service opportunity for those congregants who are truly looking to take the next step in the development of their spiritual maturity and level of commitment in their spiritual growth. As such, Prayer Chaplains make a one-year commitment in fulfilling their responsibilities.

These responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Serving at two services monthly, including Sunday and Wednesday (available for one-on-one prayer following services)
- two hours of wellness calling per month (done on the church grounds)
- One 2-hour Prayer Chaplain meeting per month
- Yearly off- and on-site intensive training

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Requirements

No prior experience in prayer or praying with others is required to serve as a Prayer Chaplain.  However, you must be an active member of Unity Christ Church who has completed our membership class and attended Sunday recognition.

In addition to the mandatory Prayer Chaplain training there are a number of elective programs available at UCC to support Prayer Chaplains in this part of their spiritual journey.  Visit our Adult Education page for a current listing.


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Contact Information

If the Prayer Chaplain Program resonates with you and feels like an opportunity you would like to explore, please plan to attend our Prayer Chaplain Orientation either on Sunday, January 21 or Sunday, January 28 at 1:00 PM in the Fillmore Room.  This orientation is mandatory for all those who ultimately do decide to take the next step and attend the full training. If you have further questions, please contact Ray or Laurel.

Ray Nelson is a 10-year member of Unity Christ Church. He currently is in his final year at United Theological Seminary working towards a Masters of Divinity. Ray is a graduate of the Unity Institute SEE personal development program and completed the Prayer Chaplain training program in August 2006. His goal is to be certified as a chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and to work in long-term care as a hospice chaplain.

Raymond Nelson
612-281-1659
rnelsonplhw2@comcast.net

Laurel Larsen is an 11-year member of Unity Christ Church. She has volunteered in various ministries including usher, pastoral search committee, office angel, daily word, and Sunday friendship as well as assisted in many celebrations and special projects. She has been the chairperson of the Compassion Ministry since its inception in 2002. In this capacity she has made hospital and home visits, sent cards, made phone calls, assisted in housing referrals and in relocations, hosted memorial gatherings and been a driver for medical appointments. Laurel completed the Prayer Chaplain training program in August 2006 and believes the Compassion and Prayer Chaplaincy Ministries are both complementary and valuable to our UCC spiritual community.

Laurel Larsen
763-529-5185
dzll@comcast.net