Prayer Chaplains
| Rev. Jimmie Scott Pastoral Care Minister |
Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplains complete the intensive, nationally recognized Prayer Chaplain Training Program created by Rev. Lei Lanni Burt, former Unity of Phoenix minister. Upon completion of the Training Program, which has become part of the International Association of Unity Churches’ strategic direction, our Prayer Chaplains are available to pray with anyone who requests prayer support. They make over 800 Wellness Calls per month to our active members, as well numerous visits to people in the hospital, nursing homes and hospice care.
ThePrayer Chaplain Program reaches people to pray with other people. The Unity Prayer Chaplain Team is a service opportunity for congregants who are looking to take the next step in the development of their own spiritual maturity and level of commitment in their spiritual growth.
Unity Prayer Chaplains make a one-year commitment in fulfilling their responsibilities. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Serving at four Worship Services monthly (available for one-on-one prayer following services)
- Completing two hours of Wellness Calling per month to their assigned church members. These calls are done on the church grounds.
- Attending a two-hour Chaplain Meeting per month; and yearly off- and on-site intensive training.
What Is a Unity Prayer Chaplain?
Unity of Phoenix has, for 11 years, had a team of
trained, committed volunteers who will stand with you in prayer. They will listen
and acknowledge your challenges and joys, and speak the spiritual Truth, so that
you can hear it and remember it for yourself.
The role of our Prayer Chaplains is, quite simply, to pray. Chaplains are not
counselors or advice-givers. The core of the Prayer Chaplain commitment is to:
• Hold spiritual space. To hold spiritual space means to stay in a space of
non-judgment, to be open to the highest possibilities of Divine Intelligence, and to
see the Christ Light in the face of the person to whom they are listening.
• Lovingly listen. To lovingly listen means to listen with an open heart,
without judgment, and to be completely focused on and available to the speaker.
• Pray from the heart. To pray from the heart is to listen to the guidance of
the Divine and to speak authentically, remembering that this is a prayer, not a
performance!
• Hold in confidence what is shared. The last essential piece is a commitment
to confidentiality. Chaplains know that a sacred trust is placed in them, and that
their commitment to confidentiality is the foundation of people feeling safe
enough to open their hearts and share their stories. Without this last and important
piece, the Prayer Chaplain Program could not exist.
So, as you read this, is Spirit telling you it’s your turn to hold spiritual space,
lovingly listen, pray from the heart and hold in confidence what is shared?
Consider Being a Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplain
More Words of Wisdom from the Prayer Chaplains, for those considering serving
When asked: "What is a tip, suggestion, or encouragement, etc. you would like to share with those considering serving as Prayer Chaplains?" some our Chapains said:
Being a chaplain has been a life changing experience. It is one of the few ways in my life that I have felt so connected to others. The experience has been both an honoring way to serve others and a personal way to experience deep spiritual growth. Lisa McKenzie is serving in her 5th year
Thinking of becoming a Prayer Chaplain? I wondered at why I even had the thought when the call went out two years ago. I remember sitting at the 11:15, and looking up at the ceiling saying: "You're kidding, right? Me?" So I thought about it and I thought about it. One day, in the reception line, I asked Richard: "How do you know?" And he replied: "You just do." So I stopped thinking and I just did. I don't know if that is what Richard meant, but that is what I did. I just did. I stopped thinking and I just did. And the doing has transformed me. Frank Tedesco is serving in his 2nd year
Think of being a prayer chaplain as being a spiritual apprentice. For one year, you practice and grow as you work and serve, trained by master teachers Rev. Jimmie, Regina, and other experienced chaplains. Diane McComb is serving in her 1st year
In considering this service as part of your divine intention, it is important that your conviction and commitment are both strong for at least a year. Scharlene DeHorney is serving in her 1st year
I became a Chaplain to serve on a deeper level. The spiritual growth and blessings I have received are beyond words. It continues to be a blessing. Mary Dunn is serving in her 5th year
I would encourage any one thinking/considering the Chaplain program to diligently spend daily time in prayer, meditation, and quiet time of inner reflection. Most often having a pen and notebook handy for journaling is beneficial. I too suggest regular attendance in continued learning and growth in Unity classes and services. With this the "knowingness" happened for me in that I was very certain that the time was right for me to step up for service as a Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplain. Kay Hoke is serving in her 2nd year
Having the opportunity to help serve is not only rewarding for our congregants, but has been a spiritual journey for myself as well. Cecilia Casillas is serving in her 2nd year