CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
The second cohort begins September 2012
Zen Garland’s two year Chaplaincy Program offers spiritual practitioners the necessary skills to serve as spiritual companions to people in need at end of life, in the prison system, Immigration Detention or in other forms of crisis.
This program provides a certification and initiation into a spiritual role that can be useful for health and healing professionals, Yoga, Tai Chi and Martial Art teachers.
Participants in the Program can specialize as Zen Buddhist, Christian Zen or Interfaith Chaplains; however, central to the training are courses in World Religious Traditions and Multicultural Competency, since Chaplains must be willing and able to serve all who reach out, regardless of race, religion, orientation or gender.
The program includes training in Pastoral Counseling, Zen Studies, guidance in Spiritual Development, an introduction to other faiths and multi-cultural sensitivity, liturgical training, and guidance toward developing a professional Pastoral identity.
The truth is, most Chaplains work as volunteers or have part time positions. If you are looking for a remunerative career change, this is not it!
Applicants to the program must be members of Zen Garland. We offer Distance Learning opportunities and a variety of internships and specializations. A non-refundable $25 processing fee is required with an application to apply to the Chaplaincy Program. An interview is aranged with a member of our Faculty. The program costs $1,200, and can be paid in installments. Courses can be taken independently. Credit for equivalent past education can be used to fulfill curriculum requirements. This will be decided at an admission meeting with an adviser. (The fee does not include the Focusing classes).
Program Curriculum
Pastoral Counseling Certification (see link to this program)
• Human Development I&II
• Spiritual Development
• Psychopathology
• Approaches to Counseling
• Mindfulness-based Counseling Techniques
• Inner Relationship Focusing I-IV
• Introduction to World Religions
• Working with couples
• Working with families
• Pre-marital Counseling
• Working with addictions
• Zen Studies I-IV
• World Religious Traditions
• Multicultural Competency
• Zen Garland Vows: study and commitment ceremony
• Meditation Practice
• Liturgical Practices
• Developing Spiritual Presence
100 hours of supervised direct Chaplaincy service.
Specialized Chaplaincy Internships:
Chaplaincy candidates can suggest internships, and Distance Learners can arrange their internships in their home area. Individual and Group Supervision can be arranged on phone and by Skype.
• Tara Care: Hospice Volunteer Training
• Immigration Detention & Reform
• Adult Justice System
• Juvenile Justice System
• Ecology Service
• Crisis Counseling and Disaster Relief