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EPISODE 11 – INTERVIEW WITH OFFICER HOUSTON GASS

Welcome to Episode 11 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Officer Houston Gass. Officer Gass was shot in the face with a shotgun at point-blank range while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Officer Gass is still recovering from his injuries. He is currently helping other officers who have gone through similar experiences heal emotionally.

Lis…

EPISODE 10 – HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH TRAUMATIC EVENTS

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I explain why this is the first episode in about a month. Things have been a bit busy. Then I get into some age-specific trauma responses and some tips on how to help each age group.

Quite often I get asked by parents or grandparents about how to help their children. We often forget that children can be profoundly affected by…

AN INTRODUCTION TO CRISIS INTERVENTION

Crisis. It can come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, crises are a fact of life. A crisis may come in the form of the loss of a loved one, natural disaster, an act of terrorism, loss of health, injury due to accident or assault, or the loss of a job.

No one sets out to experience a crisis. But no matter how much we attempt to avoid them, they still happen. The support we receive when we are…

EPISODE 9 – TAKING CARE OF YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FAMILIES

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I continue with Part Two of providing support for the families of your department.

While Part One was general in nature, today’s podcast will be more practical. I will list the most important questions you need to ask before starting, and outline a family CISM debriefing.

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15 ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS FOR THE CHAPLAIN

Did you know that thoughts move approximately four times as fast as speech? Do you find your mind wandering as you’re talking with others? Including when you are supposed to be there to help? One solution… active listening skills.

Active listening is the art of listening and responding to another person to improve mutual understanding. It’s a very effective way of building rapport, gaining…

EPISODE 8 – INTERVIEW WITH ICPC CONFERENCE DIRECTOR CRAIG HUNGLER

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I have an interview with Craig Hungler, International Conference of Police Chaplains Conference Director.

In today’s episode Craig talks about his career as a law enforcement officer, his retirement and his new responsibilities.

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SUICIDE – 8 WAYS TO HELP SURVIVORS AFTER A LOSS

Suicide… many people don’t even like to say the word. Those who have experienced the loss of a family member or friend to suicide will be dealing with conflicting emotions and thoughts.

Helping survivors in the aftermath of this unique loss can be challenging for those who are not fully prepared. Do you treat them differently than others who are grieving a loss? Are there things you shouldn’t do…

Episode 7 – TAKING CARE OF YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FAMILIES

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I discuss providing support for the families of your department.

If you want to be the best asset to your department, helping your department’s families is a great start.

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HOW DOES RELIGION HELP PEOPLE COPE AFTER DISASTERS?

As I’m writing this, survey teams from the National Weather Service have confirmed 35 tornadoes in a deadly storm outbreak this week from Texas to New York. At least 8 people are confirmed dead with many more seriously injured.

How do survivors cope with such devastation and loss? Is there anything that can help people handle such tragedy and potentially grow from the experience? (more…)

EPISODE 6 – PEER SUPPORT TEAMS IN THE WORKPLACE

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I discuss Peer Support teams in the workplace.

What are the most important underpinnings of a good peer support program? Why even consider forming a peer support program in your organization?

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You became a chaplain to serve others. It’s part of your DNA. You’ve probably spent a great deal of time training to do the job. I know you want to be an effective chaplain.

You may be new to this rewarding ministry or you may have many years of experience.The longer we do a certain thing the more we learn and grow. But if we don’t get the basics down and instead, continue to do what we’ve always…

EPISODE 5 – THE IMPORTANCE OF A JOB DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Chaplain Cafe Podcast. In this episode I discuss the importance of having a good job description for your chaplaincy ministry.

What should a good job description contain? Why is it important to have a chaplain job description?

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5 ROOKIE MISTAKES CHAPLAINS MAKE

We all have to start somewhere. And it’s pretty much a given that no matter how well prepared we are, we will make our share of rookie mistakes when we’re first starting out. Wouldn’t it be better if we could learn from someone else’s mistakes instead?

I’ve seen my share of rookie mistakes chaplains have made in my twenty years of chaplaincy. And many of them were my own. It’s amazing I survived…

SWLA FEBRUARY FIRST RESPONDERS CHAPLAIN NETWORKING MEETING

Do you ever feel like you’re the lone ranger? Would you like to regularly network with your fellow local First Responder Chaplains? How about a short monthly in-service with various professionals offering First Responder-related training? I’ve got good news…

Join us today, February 11 at our first meetup at Crossroads Church, 338 N. Hwy. 171 in Moss Bluff at 11:00 am. This will be an informal,…