Jamaica New Testament Church of God Hosts First Chaplaincy Training
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Jamaican Chaplaincy training group |
On June 23-27, 2008, Bethel Bible College hosted its first Chaplaincy training program in the history of the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica, with an overwhelming response of sixty seven delegates (67). Among these were pastors, police, lay leaders and community professionals. The program was facilitated by the International Coordinator and Trainer of the Church of God Chaplains Commission, Dr. Doc Williams. He provided accredited training in the 40-hour Community Service Chaplaincy training and included areas such as, hospital, rescue mission, military, campus, hospice, prison, elder-care facilities and law enforcement chaplaincy. Other key presenters included Rev. Oliver Daley who spoke to Campus Chaplaincy, Rev. Gary Welsh who spoke on Law Enforcement Chaplaincy and Rev. Caswell Burton who spoke on Hospital Chaplaincy.
The focus of the Chaplains commission training course is to development competent, compassionate and skilled chaplains prepared to minister to “the sick, the hurting, the dying, the searching, the alienated, the destitute, those needing reconciliation, the needy and their caregivers “beyond the gates” of the local church. Primary areas included Death Notifications, Grief Care, Personal and Critical Incident Stress Management, Suicide, Domestic Violence, Prayer & Worship in the Public Forum, Jamaican Legal Issues for chaplains and much more.
The program saw student’s presenting case material, discussing their experiences and sharing their stories, participating in role plays, Bible study and offering theological reflections. Most importantly, all students benefited by receiving a valuable training experience that they will take back to their church and into their community.” Each morning an inspiring devotion delivered addressing from a theological perspective the true purpose and biblical emphasis of chaplaincy ministry. Among the devotees were: Bishop Dr. W. A. Blair (Administrative Bishop), Rev. Dr. Barrington Brown (President of Bethel Bible College (BBC); Rev. James Small Academic Dean (BBC); and Rev. Dr. Stephenson Samuel (Secretary Treasurer).
An exciting graduation ceremony was held and saw transformed individuals receiving certificates of program completion. Each student was asked to prepare an evaluation for the course and among the many reflections given; it was highly commended as being “informative, relevant and empowering opening to a new scope of ministry”. Another student commended emphatically that it was “a source of inspiration representing true servant hood”. Yet another agreed that “I am now truly prepared to do ministry as a pastor”.
We owe much to Re. James Small for his vision to bring chaplain training in Jamaica. With many thanks for the outstanding contribution and leadership provided by President Rev. Dr. Barrington Brown; Coordinator of Seminar: Academic Dean Rev. James Small, Other Team Members: Mrs. Patricia Brown, Rev. Gary Welsh, Rev. Joseph Green, Ms. Carlene Riley, Rhoan Parkins, Ryan Campbell, the program was indeed a success and students are now eagerly awaiting to be endorse for active chaplaincy ministry. Students are also looking forward to continuing their preparation for chaplain ministry with future specialized training in chaplaincy. Indeed! The course was a tremendous success.
To inquire about chaplain training opportunities through the Chaplains Commission see our website at www.cogchaplains.com or call Dr. Doc R. Williams to discuss how training may be brought to your area.
