About the Program

A place to discern, learn, and begin.

Exploring the Call to Chaplaincy is designed for individuals who sense a desire to care for others spiritually — but are still seeking clarity about their calling. This program introduces the essential principles of chaplaincy through a combination of teaching, personal reflection, and guided practice.

Participants explore whether chaplaincy ministry is the path they are called to pursue, while building a genuine foundation of skills. Upon completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and clear direction toward accredited next steps, including Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

This is not just another training program. It is a discernment journey grounded in real experience, original tools, and community awareness.

Core Foundations

Spiritual Presence

Learning to show up fully and without agenda for those in need.

Compassionate Listening

Active listening, non-anxious presence, and the ministry of silence.

Ethical Care

Professional boundaries, confidentiality, and integrity in every encounter.

The W.H.A.T. Assessment Model

An original spiritual assessment framework developed from real hospice chaplaincy practice.

Who This Is For

  • People sensing a call to spiritual care or chaplaincy ministry
  • Lay ministers, ministry volunteers, and church leaders
  • Hospital, hospice, and community caregivers
  • Those exploring chaplaincy as a vocational calling
  • Anyone wanting to better care for people in crisis or at end of life
  • Church teams wanting to build a culture of spiritual care

What You Will Gain

  • Clarity and direction about your calling to chaplaincy
  • Foundational skills in compassionate spiritual care
  • The W.H.A.T. Spiritual Assessment Tool — an original framework
  • Cultural and community awareness across diverse settings
  • Ethics, boundaries, and professional standards for chaplains
  • Certificate of Completion and a clear pathway toward CPE

Curriculum

Twelve weeks of formation.

Each week combines teaching, guided reflection, and practical application — moving from discernment through foundations to specialized care and graduation.

1

What Is Chaplaincy?

History, roles, and contexts of spiritual care across settings

2

Discerning Your Call

Personal reflection, calling theology, and self-assessment

3

Spiritual Presence

The art of showing up fully for those who are suffering

4

Compassionate Listening

Active listening, silence, and non-anxious presence

5

The W.H.A.T. Model — Introduction

Introduction to the original W.H.A.T. Spiritual Assessment Tool

Original Framework
6

Applying W.H.A.T.

Guided practice and case-based application of the assessment

Hands-On Practice
7

Ethics in Spiritual Care

Boundaries, confidentiality, and professional standards

8

Cultural Awareness

Spiritually sensitive care across traditions and communities

9

Care at End of Life

Hospice ministry, grief, and accompanying the dying

10

Crisis Intervention

Spiritual care in acute distress and trauma situations

11

Chaplain Self-Care

Sustainability, healthy boundaries, and spiritual formation

12

Graduation & Next Steps

CPE pathways, certificate ceremony, and commissioning

You don't need to have all the answers.
You just need to be willing to show up.

— The heart of chaplaincy ministry

Why This Program

Weight and authenticity
that theory alone cannot provide.

Real Hospice Chaplain Experience

This program is taught by a practicing hospice chaplain — not textbook theory alone. Every lesson is rooted in what actually happens at the bedside, in the ER, and in the community.

The W.H.A.T. Assessment Tool

Participants learn an original spiritual assessment framework developed from real chaplaincy practice. A field-tested tool you will carry throughout your entire ministry.

Cultural & Community Awareness

Spiritual care must honor the full diversity of those we serve. This program equips participants to offer care that is sensitive, informed, and meets people where they truly are.

A Pathway, Not Just Content

Graduates leave with more than information — they leave with clarity, skills, and a clear map of what comes next, including accredited CPE options and ongoing support.

Ready to explore
your calling?

Applications are open. Join a growing community of people answering the same question — and taking their first faithful step.

Apply Now Visit Our Website
Program Instructor: Chaplain Gualbert Augustin, MA,BCC
Organization: Celebration Center Ministries
Phone: (909) 834-7631
Email: info@ccmspiritualcare.org
Website: ccmspiritualcare.org

Application

Take your first
faithful step.

Complete the form below to apply for the next cohort of Exploring the Call to Chaplaincy. Applications are reviewed personally by Chaplain Augustin, and you will receive a personal response within a few business days.

There are no prerequisites — only a sincere desire to serve others and explore your calling.

Chaplain Gualbert Augustin, MA,BCC
Celebration Center Ministries
(909) 834-7631
info@ccmspiritualcare.org
ccmspiritualcare.org

Section 1 of 9

Section 1 — Personal Information

Section 2 — Educational Background

Section 3 — Spiritual & Ministry Background

Section 4 — Interest in Chaplaincy

Section 5 — Availability & Commitment

Section 6 — Readiness for the Journey

Section 7 — Short Reflection

Section 8 — Reference

Section 9 — Agreement & Signature

Please confirm the following by checking each box:

Signature

Your information is kept confidential and used only to process your application. You will receive a personal response from Chaplain Augustin within a few business days.

Application Received

Thank you for submitting your application. We are honored by your interest in exploring the call to chaplaincy. You will be contacted soon regarding next steps.