Course Introduction

As a chaplain, you will encounter people in moments of crisis—after accidents, during medical emergencies, following traumatic events, or in the immediate aftermath of devastating news. In those moments, compassion alone is not enough. You must understand what trauma is, how it affects the body and mind, and how to respond wisely without overstepping your role.

Chaplaincy: Trauma and Triage – Level 1 provides a foundational framework for understanding trauma from both a biblical and medical perspective. Taught by Chaplain Mike Cowen alongside Janet Lister, RN, Lead of the Warrior Health Department, this course integrates frontline medical insight with Spirit-led chaplaincy care. Together, they provide a balanced, real-world approach to trauma ministry that prepares chaplains for high-impact environments without overwhelming or mispositioning them.

What You’ll Learn

In this five-session course, you will discover:

Activation - This opening session focuses on the internal “yes” required for trauma ministry. You’ll explore the calling, courage, and spiritual readiness needed to step into difficult environments. Through prayer and impartation, students are challenged to recognize God’s activation in their lives and embrace the responsibility that comes with serving people in crisis.

What Is Trauma - Trauma is often misunderstood, overused as a term, or misapplied. In this session, you’ll learn what trauma truly is—medically, emotionally, and spiritually. The teaching brings clarity to how trauma forms, why people respond the way they do, and how giving language to pain helps individuals begin healing.

The Impact of Trauma - Trauma does not stay contained—it affects thoughts, emotions, relationships, behavior, and even physical health. This session explores how unresolved trauma shapes long-term patterns and why chaplains must understand what someone is dealing with before attempting to help. You’ll gain insight into how trauma presents in real-life situations and what your role is—and is not—as a chaplain.

The Neurology of Trauma - Drawing from medical experience, this session introduces how trauma impacts the brain and nervous system. You’ll learn why people may freeze, panic, dissociate, or lose clarity during crisis moments. Understanding the neurological response to trauma helps chaplains minister with patience, wisdom, and discernment rather than frustration or assumptions.

Defining Triage - Triage is about assessment and prioritization. In this final session, you’ll learn what triage means in both medical and chaplaincy contexts. You’ll understand how to evaluate situations quickly, identify what is most urgent, and determine appropriate next steps—while honoring your role as a spiritual and emotional caregiver, not a medical provider.

Why This Course Matters

Many chaplains feel called to help in crisis situations but lack the training to navigate trauma responsibly. Without understanding trauma and triage, well-meaning chaplains can feel overwhelmed, ineffective, or tempted to move beyond their calling.

This course provides clarity, confidence, and structure. It helps chaplains remain steady in unstable environments, serve alongside medical professionals with respect, and bring God’s presence into moments of shock and uncertainty. By understanding trauma rather than reacting to it, chaplains become safer, more effective caregivers.

Course Features

• 5 in-depth video sessions
• Downloadable course overview with practical application
• Certificate of completion
• 1 credit hour toward a Warrior Notes School of Ministry degree
• Designed as Level 1 of a three-level Trauma and Triage series

If you are called to minister in hospitals, disaster response, emergency situations, or moments of acute trauma, Chaplaincy: Trauma and Triage – Level 1 will equip you with the foundation you need.