A while back, while responding to a 911 call, I found myself in the middle of a volatile situation that nearly turned physical. Although the anger and aggression were not directed at me, I stood at the center of a deeply emotional and tense confrontation between family members. As a chaplain, this is not an unheard of experience, and I know it won’t be the last time I face such circumstances.

In my previous role as a hospital chaplain, my supervisor made it clear that if a situation escalated, he expected the chaplain to be right in the middle of it—calming tensions and bringing peace wherever possible. That expectation has carried into my work in public safety chaplaincy. However, the realities of stepping into these moments can be far more intense than most people realize.

During this particular call, several family members were directing blame at one another for the death of a child. At the time, the accusations were completely unfounded, but the raw grief and rage made it incredibly difficult to minister to the grieving parents. Emotions ran high, and the tension in the room was palpable. While the police were on scene, they were not in my immediate location, leaving me to navigate the conflict alone until I was able to request—or rather, demand—their presence.

This situation highlighted an unsettling truth about chaplaincy: there is always a distinct possibility that a chaplain could get hurt. Chaplains are often called into moments of crisis where emotions can overwhelm reason, and violence can erupt without warning. Unlike first responders who are trained in tactical defense or equipped with protective gear, chaplains rely almost entirely on verbal de-escalation skills and faith-based interventions to defuse situations. While effective in many cases, these tools do not guarantee safety.

Earlier today, I spoke with a former chaplain who served many years ago. He reminded me that being a chaplain does not offer immunity from harm. In fact, wearing a badge, or just working in the 911 environment increases the risk. Though my badge clearly features a cross in the center, symbolizing my role as a chaplain, it is often overlooked. Many people see only the badge, associating it with authority rather than ministry. In those tense moments, the distinction is lost, and I can be perceived as just another uniformed figure representing control or enforcement.

This is the sobering reality of modern chaplaincy. While chaplains are called to offer comfort, support, and spiritual care, they often do so in environments charged with grief, anger, and chaos. The emotional volatility in these spaces can create a dangerous dynamic, making chaplaincy a role that requires not only compassion and faith but also courage and awareness of personal safety.

Despite the risks, chaplains continue to stand in the gap, ministering to people in their most vulnerable and desperate moments. While I would strongly suggest removing oneself from any volatile situation where physical harm can happen, as many of us have experience, this may not be possible. Chaplaincy is a calling that demands sacrifice, humility, and resilience. And while wearing a chaplain badge might not guarantee safety, it does represent a commitment to serve others, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.