Chaplain Training Event 2024
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2024 Chaplain Training Event Theme
CORE: Competence. Character. Code.
This year’s conference will focus on Chaplain CORE: Competence. Character, and Code (Values). Whether you’re a military or civilian chaplain, this conference is designed to equip and empower you. Together, we will discover how to strengthen our character, live out our values, and enhance our professional competence through practical keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and engaging discussions with other chaplains and IMF members. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow chaplains, gain valuable insights, and take your ministry to the next level. We are extending invitations for your spouse and/or a guest.
This year’s Highlights & Opportunities:
-Variety of Lodging Options
-Shuttle Bus Service
-Spouse’s Track
-Female Chaplain Breakfast
-Ordination Service
-Three lunches PLUS a special cook out included with registration
-Optional 30 min One-on-One Coaching Sessions
-Small Group Sessions, & more!
Location
Columbia International University
7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
Dates
July 15-19, 2024
Conference Location
Columbia International University
7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
IMF is proud to partner with CIU! Thank you CIU for bringing CTE24 to your campus!
Partnership with CIU
This partnership entitles IMF members to receive a renewable annual scholarship upon verified association with IMF. In addition, the partnership entitles qualified CIU faculty, staff, seniors, and graduates to a 25% reduced application fee when applying for ecclesiastical credentialing through IMF!
Schedule
This is a brief overview of the conference schedule and is subject to change.
Lodging
What sets our conference location apart this year is the wide range of lodging options available for your stay in Columbia, South Carolina. We are excited to provide a diverse selection that will cater to your specific preferences during the conference.
Lodging
1. On-Campus
This lodging option is the most convenient option as it is right at Columbia International University. CIU dorm rooms come furnished with classic dorm amenities, including a comfortable twin bed and a desk for your convenience. Plus, don’t forget to start your day right with a complimentary breakfast.
Choose one of the two dorming options:
Single Occupancy Room: For those who prefer their own space, we offer the Single Occupancy Room at $61 per night. If you plan to stay for the entire conference from Monday to Thursday (4 nights), the total cost is $244.
Double Occupancy Room: If you’re looking to share a room with a friend or colleague, the Double Occupancy Room is available at $45 per night. For the 4-night stay from Monday to Thursday, the total cost is $180 per person.
Complimentary Breakfast
Whichever room you choose, enjoy the added benefit of a complimentary breakfast to energize you for your day ahead.
*Be sure to select this option on the CTE24 Registration Form to secure your on-campus lodging request and payment.
Lodging
2. Off Campus Hotel
The Nearby Off Campus Hotel is located at DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia 2100 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
A shuttle bus service is available to take you back and forth between the DoubleTree Hotel and CIU throughout the week for a small fee (on the CTE24 registration form). Please be sure to book your hotel by 6/4/2024. If you have any questions related to the hotel bookings directly you can contact Kenneth Roberts at 803-744-0132 or 803-731-0300.
If you have chosen to book your stay at the primary hotel at the DoubleTree by Hilton, you can make your reservation using one of two methods:
1. By utilizing the booking link here: https://hil.tn/fo0k31
2. By calling Central Reservations at 1-866-247-3572 and referencing group code: CDT90M
* If you choose this lodging option, you are responsible for booking your hotel stay separate from the CTE24 Registration.
Lodging
3. AirBNB or Campground
If you’re thinking about Airbnb, campgrounds, or similar options, here are some suggestions to consider:
AirBNB Option
Browse the AirBNB or VRBO website or app to search for available rentals near Columbia International University as a lodging option for the duration of the conference.
Campground Options
Sesquicentennial State Park – 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 (12.7 miles from CIU)
Broad River Campground & RV Park – South Carolina – 16842 SC-215, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (14.3 miles from CIU)
Woodsmoke Family Campground – 11302 Broad River Rd, Irmo, SC 29063 (18.2 miles from CIU)
* If you choose this lodging option, you are responsible for booking your campsite or AirBnb stay separate from the CTE24 Registration.
Plenary Speakers
Michael W. Langston
Ph.D., D.Min. CAPT, CHC, USN, (Ret.)
Dr. Langston joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry in 2011. As a Seminary Professor he built the Chaplaincy program and taught Chaplain Ministries and Practical Theology from that date until the present. Additionally, he built and designed the PhD in Practical Theology. Dr. Langston has served as a Law Enforcement Chaplain with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Dept., Brevard, NC, and the Richalnd County Sheriff’s Dept. in Columbia, SC, a Sports Chaplain with NASCAR (MRO), a Healthcare Chaplain at Baptist Medical Center, Columbia, SC, and as a Military Chaplain in the United States Navy. He is ordained and endorsed through the Southern Baptist Convention. He is married to the former Kathy Lee Jones PhD, of Greenville, SC. They have been married for 38 years and have three grown children and three grandchildren. They reside in Blythewood, SC.
Karen Diefendorf
CH (LTC) USA (Ret.)
Karen received multiple military awards to include two awards of the Legion of Merit and Instructor of the Year at the Army Chaplain Center and School. She was also the first female chaplain to become a paratrooper. Karen was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame, class of 2020 and was recognized by the Military Chaplain Association as a “chaplain of national distinction” with their National Citizenship Award, 2022. Chaplain Diefendorf’s military awards include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Joint Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Parachutist Badge, and Instructor of the Year at US Army Chaplain Center and School.
Reverend Eric J. Hall
DTh, APBCC
Reverend Eric J. Hall, DTh, APBCC is President and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network and the Spiritual Care Association, and Chancellor of Capstone University. Under his leadership, these three distinct but interconnected organizations are focused on the preparation, training, and deployment of professional chaplains for the crucial task of integrating spiritual care into healthcare and other societal arenas where people are suffering. A tireless advocate for this vision, Rev. Hall is a recognized thought leader in the field of professional chaplaincy, leading innovation in methods and resources to standardize the profession to meet present-day demands for evidence-based, quality-assured spiritual care. He is driven by the belief that people faced with suffering and grief should be helped by professional spiritual care providers to find comfort and meaning – whoever they are, wherever they are, and whatever they believe.
Jim Browning
Dr. Browning currently serves as the Marsh Center for Chaplain Studies as its Director. Before joining the Marsh Center, he served 30 years as a U.S. Air Force chaplain, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He earned his DMin and MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, an MS in Strategic Studies from the Air War College, and an MS in Mass Communication from Boston University.
Ordination
The ordination service is a time of celebration for all during the conference! If you would like to participate in this year’s ordination service as an ordination candidate, you will need to confirm your eligibility through IMF. You can do so by emailing Josh at josh@imfserves.org
One on One Sessions
This year, we are providing exclusive one-on-one sessions with either a senior Chaplain or an IMF staff member. These personalized 30-minute sessions can be tailored to suit your needs, whether it’s coaching, pastoral counseling, prayer and ministry, or any specific assistance you may be seeking. Kindly indicate your preference on the official CTE24 registration form, and we will reach out to you prior to the event to coordinate and schedule your session.
Vendors
We are looking for organizations, ministries, and exhibitors for the conference!
Here’s what the Chaplain Training Event offers as a vendor:
-Direct access to chaplains, spiritual care providers, and religious organizations
-Networking opportunities with potential clients and partners in the chaplaincy field
-Increased brand visibility and recognition within the chaplaincy community
-Platform to showcase and promote your products/services tailored to chaplains’ needs
-Opportunity to contribute to the professional development of chaplains and attendees
Sponsorship
We are looking for Sponsors throughout the conference!
Sponsor an aspect of the conference to get your organization, ministry, or exhibition in front of our conference attendees. This is a great option if your organization or ministry is unable to be physically available during the conference. This is also open to anyone who wants to help support an aspect of the conference!
Various sponsorship opportunities include: Sponsoring a coffee break, cookie break, bagel break, lunches, female chaplain breakfast, attendee lanyards, closing night BBQ, and other advertisement opportunities in our program and slideshows.
Here’s what the Chaplain Training Event offers for sponsors:
-High visibility and exposure to a captive audience of chaplains and spiritual care providers
-Opportunity to showcase your brand, products, or services to a targeted demographic
-Networking opportunities with influential professionals in the chaplaincy field
-Recognition as a supporter of spiritual care and professional development
-Customizable sponsorship packages to meet your marketing goals
Program Ads
Reserve an ad space in the CTE24 Conference Program!
Listing – $100
Quarter Page – $200
Half Page- $300
Full Page- $600
The Commander's Letter and Supervisor's Letter
Chaplain Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agencies may require their endorsed Chaplains and Chaplain Candidates to attend an annual endorser-led training event. International Ministerial Fellowship (IMF) is one such agency. Stay tuned for access to the Commander’s Letter. As for Civilian Chaplains, a Supervisor’s Letter will be released as well.
Please follow the provided buttons to conveniently view and download the Commander and Supervisor Letters digitally.