Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention
Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Disaster Relief Volunteer Chaplains Unit

Volunteer Disaster Relief Chaplains are needed in times of crises. Disasters can be natural or man-caused. Natural disasters can include: fires, hurricanes, flooding, tornados, severe thunderstorms, and other acts of nature. Man-caused disasters can include: terroristic acts, such as 9/11/2001, accidents, suicides, etc. Certainly, there is a great need for volunteer chaplains to respond in a time of crisis. However, our response must be planned and coordinated, and responders must be trained and qualified.
Authorities control access to disaster scenes for many good reasons. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have gained the trust and respect of local, state, and national officials. We work alongside such groups as American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and others. Without proper credentials, access may be denied, even with the best of intentions.
 
MWBC Chaplain Rich Williamson serves as Chaplain Unit Director.
Southern Baptists have three (3) major components of Disaster Relief Training for volunteer chaplains.
 

1. Completion of "Involving Southern Baptists in Disaster Relief"

This 2 hour course covers the basics of Disaster Relief and is required for ALL Disaster Relief volunteers. Check the "Upcoming Training" page to see when it will next be offered.  For more information, contact Dave or Jeanne Wedekind at: dwedekind@mwbc.org or jwedekind@mwbc.org .
 
 

2. Completion of "Disaster Relief Chaplain Basic Course"

This is a 16 hour course, usually taught over two consecutive days. Check the "Upcoming Training" page to see when it will next be offered. Additional opportunities can be scheduled with a minimum of 5 participants.  Contact Chaplain Rich Williamson at: richwilliamson@pitel.net or (507) 254-2755 for more information.
 

3. Completion of Basic CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management)

This 16 hour course is a great opportunity for anyone needing CISM training for Disaster Relief Chaplaincy or needing an additional ministry tool. These courses will be a valuable addition to Basic CISM.
The Salvation Army periodically schedules CISM offerings in various locations.  "Individual" and "Peer Support" CISM training is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of, and a specific protocol for, individual crisis intervention. The course trainers are Marty Colip and Greg Young, who recieved their training through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Because the Salvation Army underwrites the training, we can offer it at a much reduced price, rather than the 'going rate' of $250 charged by the ICIS Foundation. This is a two day class and does qualify for 13 Continuing Education Hours. Each class runs from 8:30am-4:30pm. Attendance for each full day is mandatory to recieve credit for that dates class. Both days are required to recieve equivalent CISM credit for Basic CISM.  Information on the upcoming schedule can be obtained from Dave Wedekind at: dwedekind@mwbc.org or from Rich Williamson at: richwilliamson@pitel.net or (507) 254-2755.
 
When you complete your CISM training, please forward a copy of your certificate of completion to Dave Wedekind and to Rich Williamson so we may update our training records.