EXPLORE A CALLING TO SERVE.

How to become a chaplain.

Chaplaincy begins with a willingness to listen, stay present, and care for people during difficult moments. This page focuses on public safety and community chaplaincy in Oregon. Requirements differ among organizations and settings.

Start with a conversation

Talk with Leo about your interests, experience, and the people you hope to serve. Ask about everyday relationship building as well as crisis response, supporting families, and working with an agency.

Talk with Chaplain Leo

Prepare to serve

Oregon Chaplains Academy offers foundational first responder chaplaincy training, including crisis response, grief, death notifications, and public safety culture. Review the academy’s current requirements before registering.

Explore the academy

Explore the pathway

Public Safety Chaplaincy is a Christian ministry serving first responders and their communities. Contact PSC directly about its application process, expectations, and opportunities to serve.

Learn about PSC chaplaincy

PREPARATION. ACCOUNTABILITY. RELATIONSHIPS.

Connected through shared service.

Leo’s agency chaplain service continues through Public Safety Chaplaincy. He completed basic and advanced training through Oregon Chaplains Academy and now serves as an instructor. These relationships connect Hope Chaplain’s work with practical preparation, continued learning, and fellow chaplains.

Keep learning

Ask the organization or agency where you hope to serve about supervision, mentoring, additional training, and the boundaries of your role. Preparation, accountability, and experience all matter.

Discuss your next step

ACADEMY

Academy requirements

The published Basics requirements include agency or chaplaincy endorsement, proof of a background check, and ecclesiastical endorsement. The academy awards a certificate of completion.

Check current requirements

PSC

PSC application

PSC’s published pathway includes basic training, a recommendation from your church’s pastor or elders, and endorsement from a local first responder agency. Ask PSC about current application requirements.

Explore the PSC pathway

YOUR QUESTIONS. A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP.

Questions you may be asking.

An academy completion certificate documents training. Appointment to an agency, organizational credentials, and employment involve separate requirements and decisions.

Does training appoint me?

Training is one part of the process. The organization and agency you hope to serve determine their application, endorsement, and appointment requirements. Completing an academy does not itself appoint you.

What about other roles?

Hospital, military, and other chaplain roles may have different education, training, endorsement, and credential requirements. Contact the relevant organization before choosing a training program.

Where should I begin?

Start with a conversation. Leo can share his experience and help you identify questions to bring to PSC, the academy, or another chaplaincy organization.

Start a conversation