The Role of the Christian Crisis Response Chaplain
A Six-Hour Live Virtual Training in Faith-Informed, Evidence-Based Crisis Response
Crisis Touches More Lives Than We Realize
Trauma, adverse experiences, and disasters affect millions of people and create an ongoing need for trained, faith-informed crisis responders.
70%
of people globally will experience a potentially traumatic event during their lifetime.
123M+
people were affected by disasters each year worldwide on average from 2015 through 2024.
64%
of U.S. adults reported at least one adverse childhood experience.
Why This Training Matters
Trauma, loss, violence, medical emergencies, and natural disasters often bring urgent practical needs, intense emotions, and difficult spiritual questions into the same moment. Christian crisis responders need more than compassion alone.
This live training brings sound theology together with evidence-based crisis care so participants can offer spiritual and practical support without relying on clichés, crossing important boundaries, or stepping beyond the chaplain’s role.
“The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3
Biblically grounded. Evidence-based. Ready for crisis.
Participants develop a clear Christian framework for entering crisis settings, assessing spiritual needs, supporting healthy coping, and recognizing when additional care is needed.
Training Details
A focused six-hour live training that combines instruction, discussion, practical application, and the foundational skills required for Christian crisis response chaplaincy.
What the training includes
- Live instruction with opportunities for questions
- Video examples that place the material in a crisis-response context
- Individual and group exercises that help participants apply the concepts
- Large- and small-group discussion with other participants
- AACC’s required six-hour training for the CCCRC Level 1 credential pathway
What you will learn
- Identify the biblical and spiritual foundations of effective chaplain ministry in times of crisis.
- Recognize the culture and needs of different response settings, including the needs of first responders, staff, and survivors.
- Explain the differences between the role of a pastor, a chaplain, and other helping professionals.
- Use spiritual assessment to help people draw on spiritual and religious resources that support coping.
- Identify the practical and spiritual support a chaplain can appropriately provide.
Meet Your Trainer
A focused six-hour live training that combines instruction, discussion, practical application, and the foundational skills required for Christian crisis response chaplaincy.
Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
Three decades of experience in disaster response, chaplaincy, pastoral ministry, and crisis care.
After 30 years with The Salvation Army, Kevin now serves as president and CEO of Crisis Response Care. His work has included disaster response, chaplaincy, pastoral ministry, marriage and family therapy, and social services.
He brings field experience and extensive training experience, helping participants connect the material to the realities of crisis response.
Start your journey to becoming a Board Certified Christian Crisis Response Chaplain
Follow the Level 1 credential pathway through the International Board of Christian Care.
AACC Required Training
The Role of the Christian Crisis Response Chaplain
Six-hour live training via Zoom.
ICISF Required Trainings
Two CISM training are required:
Grief Following Trauma (GFT): Required with no substitute.
Spiritual and Psychological First Aid (SPFA). The standard second requirement.
Previously completed alternative to SPFA only: Assisting Individuals in Crisis or Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention (GRIN) may be accepted when already completed. Neither may replace GFT. SPFA remains recommended because many deployment organizations require it.
FEMA Requirements
Complete both free, self-paced trainings:
IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
Experience Requirement
Document one year of chaplaincy ministry.
“Crisis ministry calls for more than a willing heart. It requires biblical grounding, practical preparation, and an understanding of how trauma and loss affect people in the moment. Kevin Ellers has devoted decades to this work and is a trusted leader in Christian crisis response. I am grateful he is equipping chaplains to serve with competence, compassion, and the hope of Christ.”
Dr. Tim Clinton, Ed.D., LPC, LMFT
President, American Association of Christian Counselors · IBCC Board Chairman
Upcoming Trainings
Choose one upcoming date. Both sessions provide the same six-hour live training via Zoom with Kevin Ellers, D.Min. AACC members receive a discounted registration rate of $99. Non-member registration is $119.
Monday, October 26, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central
AACC Members
$99
Non-Members Members
$119
AACC members: Log in to your AACC account before registering to receive the $99 member rate.
Live via Zoom
Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
Six Hours
Confirmation and joining details are emailed after checkout.
Monday, January 11, 2027
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central
AACC Members
$99
Non-Members Members
$119
AACC members: Log in to your AACC account before registering to receive the $99 member rate.
Live via Zoom
Kevin Ellers, D.Min.
Six Hours
Confirmation and joining details are emailed after checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior training or experience?
No. This live training is designed to be the first step in the pathway. Experienced chaplains may also benefit, but prior training is not required.
Is this the same as CISM training?
No. This is AACC’s live training on the Christian foundation and role of a crisis response chaplain. The two required CISM trainings are provided separately through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
Do I have to attend the entire live training?
Yes. The full six hours are required for the live training to count toward the CCCRC credential.
Does this live training offer continuing education credit?
To be confirmed before launch.
Do I need to be an AACC member to register?
No. AACC membership is not required to register. AACC members receive the discounted $99 rate, and non-members may register for $119.
Can I complete the other credential requirements first?
The ICISF trainings, FEMA requirements, and documented ministry experience may be completed in any order. This AACC live training is intended to establish the role and theological foundation for crisis response chaplaincy.
What happens after I register?
You will receive a confirmation email with joining information and anything you need to have ready for the day. Joining links are not posted publicly.
Who do I contact with a question?
AACC Education Support handles registration and education questions. Questions about the credential itself should be directed to the International Board of Christian Care.
Prepare to bring grounded Christian care into moments of crisis.
Choose the live training date that works for you.