Rural Clergy Training Program   

 Train the Trainers 

WHY: Rural and small-town Veterans in particular have limited choices for healthcare.  As a member of the clergy you, and your house of worship, serve as an important contact point for Veterans in your community.  As  a health/mental health provider, a Veteran support organizer, or as a Veteran you can make a difference in the lives of Veterans who are looking for the resources that are available to them in the community, or don't realize the resources that are available in the community.  This 'train-the-trainer' program is designed to help you to train and prepare others on how to recognize Veterans who are struggling in their return to civilian life, including both current and long separated/retired Veterans.

PROGRAM:  The RCTP responds to the reality that clergy and houses of worship serve as important contact points for Veterans. Yet clergy aren't always aware of the Veterans in their congregation or how they might help a Veteran/family following deployments and combat service.

This session is designed to  establish a cadre of trained clergy, mental health specialists, and Veterans to help train and educate others about Veteran challenges, in addition to the various national and local resources that can be brought to bear as needed. 

The training includes at least  three modules:  1) Military Culture & the Wounds of War;  2) Pastoral Care for Veterans & their Families;  and 3) Mental Health Services & Referrals. 

Both contact hours and CEUs (through Garrett College) will be available to participants. 

To help build a strong support net for our Veterans, the National VA Chaplain Service is partnering with community organizations to deliver free interactive training events for local clergy of all faith groups, health/mental health providers, Veteran support organizations and concerned Veterans and supporters. 

The RTCP is sponsored by the  Veterans Administration (VA) National Chaplain Center, the VA Office of Rural Health, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Federal Bureau of Chaplains, the West Virginina-Western Maryland Synod of the ELCA, the Garrett College of Continuing Education, and many others. 

COSTS: Program costs, meals, and snacks are covered.  Participants must cover overnight housing, travel, dinner on the  15th, and lunch on the 16th. 

CONTACT:  Pastor Rick Egtvedt (ELCA) for additional information; (301) 501-8218 or regtvedt@ltsg.edu.