A while back, I was talking with a few other senior chaplains in charge of nearby police and fire chaplain programs. As the conversation continued, we started to list the characteristics defining a good chaplain: faith, integrity, and compassion. However, two qualities stood out: commitment to reflection and a desire to learn. And we concluded that public-safety chaplains only operate effectively with those qualities leading.

A Call for Lifelong Learning

Public safety chaplains are regularly called to minister in situations requiring spiritual grounding and practical expertise. Yet, as the roles of public safety chaplains continue to evolve and become more complex, the educational bar for chaplaincy remains surprisingly low. Many chaplains complete basic training and mistakenly believe it's sufficient for a lifetime of ministry. We concluded that this mindset is short-sighted and detrimental to the communities they serve.

Continuing education should be a staple of the chaplain's vocation. Think of the firefighters and police officers with whom we work. None of them shows up on the job and says, "I know all I need to know." Instead, they are constantly training, often weekly and sometimes daily. That keeps them sharp, agile and prepared for changing conditions. As they'll say, the moment you believe you've learned everything is when you become a liability on the scene—potentially endangering lives.

This attitude should be no less true for chaplains. Just as the calls for public safety are becoming increasingly complex, so are those involved' spiritual and emotional needs. Chaplains must rise to the challenge through ongoing refinement of their craft and broadening their knowledge, whether it be advanced crisis intervention techniques, a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care, or updates regarding cultural competencies. A commitment to education directly impacts the quality of care that chaplains provide.

The Power of Reflection

The second important characteristic we addressed is a well-developed capacity for reflection. Reflection allows the chaplain to look back upon the situations and discern what God was doing amidst the chaos. It invites them to reflect on what they have done during a scene and, from there, notice areas where they may need to grow and get better prepared for future calls. It's not about reviewing your mistakes but nurturing a mindset of constant improvement.

Reflection also helps the chaplains to sort out some of the personal hurts and pains they carry. Trauma is common among public safety chaplains, usually experienced firsthand or via the stories of those they serve. Without reflection, there is the risk of projecting unresolved pain onto others. In contrast, chaplains can use their struggles to deepen their understanding of grace and mercy, ministering from a place of empathy and resilience.

For instance, it may be through his or her losses that a chaplain can more effectively minister to the losses of a family. This is only possible as time is devoted to reflection and processing. Through God's filter, reflection converts pain into purpose as chaplains serve authentically and compassionately.

Becoming a Lifelong Learner

Chaplains who embrace the concept of lifelong learning better position themselves to serve their communities effectively. That does not mean returning to a formal classroom setting, although pursuing an advanced degree can be enriching. For those considering higher education, numerous M.Div. programs in chaplaincy are now available online, offering flexibility for busy schedules. But learning doesn't stop with a degree; it's a mindset that continually drives chaplains to seek new knowledge and skills.

The training could focus much more on advanced crisis intervention. Trauma-informed care, grief counseling, and occupational stress would better equip chaplains to help them meet unique challenges with the first responders and their families. The field of multicultural competency is essential in that Public Safety Chaplains serve a diversified community. Only by understanding such cultural or religious differences will the chaplain be able to make sensitive contact with everybody.

Other than formal training, chaplains also need to pursue any other available opportunities that give them the potential to become subject matter experts in the chosen areas of chaplaincy. A chaplain working in behavioral health might want to sub-specialize in PTSD among the first responders, while another one might be an expert in the support of families through crisis. This can strengthen the community and ensure the expertise transfers to the next generation through the mentorship of new chaplains.

Spiritual Mentorship

Reflection and learning are best done within a dynamic spiritual life. Chaplains should seek spiritual mentors or directors who would lead them in their journey to hear the still voice of God better and give direction. A mentor offers invaluable insight; they offer encouragement and hold one accountable. They help chaplains through difficult times, celebrate victories, and keep them grounded in their calling.

Spiritual mentorship also stresses the importance of being in touch with God through prayer and scripture. As much as firefighters and police officers have their training, so too do chaplains rely on their spiritual foundation as they bring hope and guidance when moments of crisis strike. That foundation is strengthened in intentional time with God, enabling the chaplain to minister clearly and confidently.

Learning From Our First Responders

Yet there's so much chaplains might learn from the firefighters and police officers they serve. First responders understand the value of preparation, teamwork, and adaptability. They would prepare, critique, and improve continuously, not because they anticipated failure but because they understood that not doing so carries far too significant a disaster risk.

Chaplains, too, must be of one mind. We cannot be satisfied with past laurels nor simply rest on experience. Public safety is ever-changing, and we must prepare for challenges that will change. Be it responding to a community-wide disaster, ministering to a grieving family, or simply listening to a troubled first responder, chaplains must be at their best.

A Call to Action

It's time for public safety chaplains to become learners and contemplators. Begin by inventorying your present skill level and identifying your learning gaps. Ask yourself: What training would serve you better? What are the knowledge gaps in your serving? What might you do to help yourself better understand what God is doing in and through you?

Then, commit to regular reflection: set aside time after each call to evaluate what went well, what could be improved, and how God was present. Journal your thoughts, seek feedback from trusted colleagues, and use these insights to grow personally and professionally.

Finally, find an opportunity for mentorship-to have a spiritual director or an experienced chaplain who would speak into one's life and give direction. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and hold you accountable for your calling.