About the Prayer Chaplain Program
History of the Prayer Chaplain Program
Rev. Lei Lanni Burt is the founder of Prayer Chaplain Program and served as Director of Pastoral Care at Unity of Phoenix from February 1998 through March, 2005. During ministerial school, Rev. Lei Lanni had a vision to invite and empower congregants into spiritual maturity. While Senior Minister in Santa Rosa, CA Rev. Lei Lanni developed and implemented her first Prayer Chaplain Program. She brought this program with her to Unity of Phoenix and completed her time there having trained over 125 individuals in the Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplain Program since 1998.
What is a Prayer Chaplain Program?
A Prayer Chaplain Program is a service opportunity for your congregants who desire to take the next step in the development of their spiritual maturity and level of commitment in their spiritual growth. It is a unique service that differs from many of the other volunteer opportunities in terms of commitment–level and responsibilities. Prayer Chaplains make a one-year commitment in fulfilling their duties. These duties include (but are not limited to):
- Monthly on-duty services (available for one-on-one prayer with congregants following services)
- Monthly wellness calling session
- In-service monthly Prayer Chaplain meeting
- Attend annual Prayer Chaplain training
Have you been looking for new ways to create community within your ministry? Are you looking for a way to extend your heart, hands and feet in order to do all your pastoral care? This Prayer Chaplain Program will accomplish all this while helping the people in your ministry to feel “connected” and in relationship with one another.
What is a Prayer Chaplain?
A Prayer Chaplain is:
- Someone who is available to support others on their spiritual journey.
- Someone who creates and holds sacred space.
- Someone who lovingly listens and holds what is heard in the strictest of confidence.
- Someone who prays with others.
A Prayer Chaplain completes 50-hours of annual training and makes the
commitment to serve his or her church community for one year. “Being” a
Chaplain is transformative soul work as it deepens their spiritual
path through prayer and service. No prior experience in prayer or praying
with others is required to serve as a Prayer Chaplain.
Unlike hospital, hospice, or military chaplains, Prayer Chaplains are not ordained, are not Board Certified by any nationally known organization and are not trained to counsel people. Prayer Chaplains are not trained to go out and “minister” to the community-at-large but are trained as a lay resource to help meet the pastoral care needs within your own church community. Prayer Chaplains are trained to do three things only: hold spiritual space, listen, and pray. They serve as an extension of your ministry team making personal connections with your congregation.