Chaplain Training Event 2025

July 14-18, 2025 - Bethel University

Hope Dealers in Darkness

2025 Chaplain Training Event Theme

This year’s conference is designed for a wide range of participants, including chaplains, pastors, church staff, first responders, mental health professionals, community leaders, family members of first responders, and those seeking to deepen their capacity to offer emotional and spiritual support in times of crisis. It provides valuable insights and tools for anyone dedicated to supporting those who serve on the front lines of crisis and emergency response.

In partnership with The Spiritual Care Association, all attendees will participate in the Crisis, Trauma, and First Response Certificate Course. This Certificate program provides 35 continuing education units on a broad range of topics, introducing the student to First Responder/Crisis Response Chaplaincy and offers guidance for further credentialing training available. The course provides the basic skills and knowledge needed to provide chaplain/spiritual care to people impacted by an emergency, crisis, trauma, or disaster.

DISCLAIMER: “The ‘Crisis, Trauma and First Response Certificate’ is designed to be an Introduction to First Responder Chaplaincy and does not replace or meet any requirements of credentialing training offered through First Responder Chaplain Credentialing Organizations, and therefore is NOT a credential to be a First Responder Chaplain.”

Who Should Attend

– Chaplains (3.5 CEUs awarded)
– First Responder Chaplains or those desiring to become First Responder Chaplains
– Pastors and Church Staff
– Mental Health Professionals
– Community Leaders
– Anyone seeking to enhance their ability to provide emotional and spiritual support in times of crisis.

This year’s Highlights & Opportunities

-On-Campus and Hotel Lodging Options
-Public Transportation Options
-Spouse’s Track
-Female Chaplain Breakfast
-Ordination Service
-Three lunches PLUS a special Dinner following Ordination Service
-Optional 30 min One-on-One Coaching Sessions
-Optional off-site Meet & Greet at the IMF Headquarters (check Yes on your registration to attend!)
-Small Group Sessions, & more!

Conference Location

3900 Bethel Drive St. Paul, MN 55112 IMF is proud to partner with Bethel University! Thank you Bethel University for bringing CTE25 to your campus!

Partnership with Spiritual Care Association

Special Offer for IMF Members! IMF members in good standing can now enjoy 50% off the Individual Professional Membership with the Spiritual Care Association (SCA)!

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your professional growth at a fraction of the cost!

Learn more about the CIU and IMF partnership Spiritual Care Association website

Schedule

Lodging

1. On Campus Suite Dorms

Experience convenient lodging in the suite dorm rooms at Bethel University. Each suite features three bedrooms, with two single beds in each room, and a shared bathroom.

Options:

Double Occupancy – $45 per person per night (sharing a room with a roommate). If you plan to stay for the entire conference from Monday to Thursday (4 nights) the total cost is $180.

Single Occupancy – $70 per person per night. If you plan to stay for the entire conference from Monday to Thursday (4 nights) the total cost is $280.

Please note that if you select this option, you will be sharing the suite and bathroom with potentially 2 to 7 other guests. Additionally, on-campus lodging is not suitable for couples.

*Be sure to select your option on the CTE25 Registration Form to secure your on-campus lodging request and payment.

2. Off Campus Hotel

The Nearby Off Campus Hotel is located at:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1100 East County Road East, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota 55110

(Just 7 miles away from Bethel University.)

Please be sure to book your hotel by 6/19/25. If you have any questions related to the hotel bookings directly you can contact Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Online Booking Link Instructions:

Click HERE to be redirected to the hotel booking website with the negotiated rates. As a guest, you will need to select the dates that you need, then search and book!

* If you choose this lodging option, you are responsible for booking your hotel stay separate from the CTE25 Registration.

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

* If you choose this lodging option, you are responsible for booking your campsite or AirBnb stay separate from the CTE25 Registration.

Plenary Speaker

Charles James Parker, EdD, MDiv, APBCC-HPC

Dr. Parker is the Director of the Hospice & Palliative Care DivisionLinks to an external site. for the Spiritual Care AssociationLinks to an external site. and the Chaplain Director at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC)Links to an external site., Phoenix AZ.

He is the former Director of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Education for Traditions Health where his duties included direct patient care as a Hospice Chaplain / Bereavement Coordinator. Dr. Parker is an Air Force Veteran with over 17 years of active duty military service including 6 years with the Department of Aerospace Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. With extensive ministry experience, Dr. Parker’s chaplaincy background includes acute care, oncology, palliative care, and hospice care, serving as the Lead Chaplain for Palladium Hospice and Palliative Care.

Along with being an accomplished chaplain, Dr. Parker served as an addictions counselor for the Next Step Residential Treatment Program and a Clinical Therapist for the Intensive Outpatient Program at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction ServicesLinks to an external site..

Dr. Parker has earned both a Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy and a Doctor of Education in Pastoral Counseling. His research focus has been self-care and self-compassion, and he has published on these topics in the Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy. He is a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) and an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain with Hospice and Palliative Care specialty (APBCC-HPC) member of the Spiritual Care Association (SCA). Further, Dr. Parker is a CPE Supervisor Education Fellow with the Graduate Academy of CPE Supervision (GACSLinks to an external site.). As well as an Adjunct Professor, Curriculum Developer for SCA Capstone University. He volunteers as a caregiver for the SCA Time for Compassion program and serves on the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Spiritual Caregiver Steering Committee.

Elective Presenter

Dr. Jim M. Browning, Ch, Col USAF (Ret.), Director & Board Chairman, Marsh Institute for Chaplains

His leadership skills, professional expertise, and networking abilities are essential for building partnerships to enhance the effective ministry of chaplains. His belief that seminaries, organizations, and institutions can do substantially more for chaplaincy by working together than separately is foundational in how he works with others. His dedication is to collaborating, equipping, supporting, and advocating for chaplains in diverse and global settings.

Dr. Browning served as a hospital chaplain and senior pastor for two churches. With over 30 years of leadership as a military chaplain, he has led large interfaith teams in diverse settings, developed strategic policies, and influenced chaplaincy education. His expertise spans resilience training, crisis response, and chaplaincy program development. He was the principal editor for and contributed to The Heart of a Chaplain: Exploring Essentials for Ministry (First & Second Editions). He also teaches Chaplain Ministry for seminaries and speaks nationwide at institutional and denominational chaplain conferences. Dr. Browning, a recognized leader, continues to impact chaplaincy through education, research, and professional collaboration.

A highly decorated veteran, he holds five academic degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in Mass Communication from Boston University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from Air 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

Email Josh

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 CTE25 registration form, and we will reach out to you prior to the event to coordinate and schedule your session.

Vendors

IMF members, Alliance churches & strategic partners save 20% off vendor registration!

Add-ons for any level:

Additional Tables beyond 4 tables = $300
Extra Reps = $200 each
10 mins of Stage Time (only applicable for vender levels that do not already include stage time in the package) = $250
Vendor Give A Away Options available

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

Program Ads

Downloadable Program Ad Promo Flyer

$50

Quarter Page Ad

Showcase your restaurant, attraction, or store with an advertisement in the event program for maximum visibility with a 1/4 page ad. Include a deal, discount, or promotional offer in your advertisement to encourage attendees to visit your business!

Pay

$75

Half Page Ad

Showcase your restaurant, attraction, or store with an advertisement in the event program for maximum visibility with a 1/2 page ad. Include a deal, discount, or promotional offer in your advertisement to encourage attendees to visit your business!

Pay

$100

Full Page Ad

Showcase your restaurant, attraction, or store with an advertisement in the event program for maximum visibility with a full page ad. Include a deal, discount, or promotional offer in your advertisement to encourage attendees to visit your business!

Pay

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.

Please follow the provided buttons to conveniently view and download the Commander and Supervisor Letters digitally.

Commander's Letter Supervisor's Letter