A student must achieve a passing grade in all four required courses (THE9520, THE9522, THE9532, and either THE9521, THE9531, or THE9601), plus one elective to qualify for certification. Lay people who do not have a minor in theology from a WELS or ELS college must also take THE9534 as a prerequisite (see below).
Foundation Course
- THE9534 Grounded in Scripture – An introduction to theology that focuses on scriptural teachings that are of special importance to Christian early childhood teachers and lay chaplains. All lay people (non-CRM) accepted into the program are required to take this course, which provides a solid foundation in doctrine. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course first, if possible. The Committee may grant exceptions to this requirement.
Required Courses
- THE9520 Communicating Forgiveness – A study of the scriptural meaning of forgiveness and the many ways this truth can be communicated vividly and meaningfully by God’s messengers.
- THE9522 Chaplaincy Issues and Fieldwork – An overview of chaplaincy, related issues, and fieldwork experience in a specific area of chaplain ministry.
- THE9532 Chaplaincy Seminar – A weeklong, face-to-face seminar following the fieldwork course, including group interaction and portfolio presentations to the Chaplain Certification Program Committee.
ONE of the following courses is also required
- THE9521 A Scriptural Approach to Addiction Counseling – A study of addictions, especially substance abuse and pornography, and the ways Christians try to help through law/gospel counseling and referral.
- THE9531 Trauma Basics – What Is Trauma? – An introduction to the effects of trauma on body, mind, and soul.
- THE9601 The Spiritual Side of PTSD – Helps spiritual advisors recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide appropriate spiritual care.
Elective Courses
- THE9521 A Scriptural Approach to Addiction Counseling (if not taken as a required course) – An examination of addictions from a scriptural perspective, concentrating on the prevention and treatment of addictions. All common addictions will be studied, with emphasis given to alcohol, drug, and internet addictions. (Note: this description is different than the one for THE9521 above.)
- THE9523 Ministry to the Incarcerated and Their Families – A study of service to the incarcerated and their families and the ways in which jail ministries can be established.
- THE9524 Frontline Chaplaincy – This elective is specially designed for those who would serve as chaplains to people on the frontline of the defense of our society, namely the military, the police and firefighters, and their families.
- THE9525 Geriatric and Care Facility Ministry – A team-oriented approach to ministry for people who are aging or residents in care facilities. Provides both knowledge and skills for congregation members to provide spiritual care for the homebound and institutionalized. A fieldsite experience or topic-related project is required.
- THE9531 Trauma Basics – What Is Trauma? (if not taken as a required course) An introduction to the effects of trauma on body, mind, and soul.
- THE9533 Grief, Loss, and Trauma – Help for the Hurting – Explore grief, loss, and trauma from a biblical as well as mental health perspective. Develop understanding of what happens when someone experiences a traumatic loss and learn how to minister to such a person, both initially and in the long term.
- THE9601 The Spiritual Side of PTSD (if not taken as a required course) – Helps spiritual advisors recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide appropriate spiritual care.
Additional education may be pursued, based on the type of chaplaincy and what level of training is desired or required by the calling body or hiring agency. Experiential learning credits may be possible. Ecclesiastical endorsement requires specific theological training. (See FAQ regarding ecclesiastical endorsement).
Martin Luther College courses are open to all called workers and lay members, whether or not seeking chaplain certification. They may serve as personal continuing education.
For questions about the WELS Chaplain Certificate Program please contact:
