Course Introduction

Trauma leaves wounds—but those wounds do not stop at the initial moment of crisis. Left unaddressed, they reshape thoughts, emotions, behavior, and even spiritual perspective. For chaplains, understanding what trauma does next is just as important as recognizing it in the first place.

Chaplaincy: Trauma and Triage – Level 2 moves beyond first response and into the deeper effects of trauma on individuals and on chaplains themselves. This course equips chaplains to recognize trauma’s long-term impact, identify unhealthy coping patterns, guard against secondary trauma, and maintain spiritual and emotional health while serving on the front lines. Taught by Chaplain Mike Cowen alongside Janet Lister, RN, this level integrates trauma-informed medical insight with Spirit-led chaplaincy wisdom.

What You’ll Learn

In this five-session course, you will explore:

Effects of the Wounds - Trauma wounds are subjective and affect every person differently. In this session, you’ll learn how trauma disrupts physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual functioning. Drawing from medical and chaplaincy experience, this teaching helps you recognize trauma responses, understand survival behaviors, and identify when additional care or intervention is needed.

Stories - Real-life stories reveal how trauma manifests in unpredictable ways. This session highlights how similar events can produce vastly different outcomes and why chaplains must respond with discernment rather than assumptions. You’ll learn when presence is helpful, when reasoning is ineffective, and when escalation to medical or emergency services is required.

Burnout & Secondary Trauma - Serving wounded people carries risk for the caregiver. This session clearly defines the difference between burnout and secondary trauma and explains why chaplains are especially vulnerable. You’ll learn to recognize warning signs, understand how trauma transfers through exposure, and apply practical and spiritual tools to protect your calling and longevity.

See the Victories - Trauma ministry can distort focus if victories are forgotten. This session trains chaplains to intentionally recognize, document, and celebrate God’s victories—both visible and unseen. You’ll learn how a victory mindset restores hope, combats discouragement, and sustains long-term effectiveness in high-impact ministry.

The Chaplain’s Well - A chaplain cannot pour from an empty well. This final session focuses on spiritual replenishment, boundaries, self-awareness, and healthy rhythms. You’ll learn how to protect your inner life, recognize erosion before it becomes collapse, and steward the well God has entrusted to you so you can serve with clarity and strength.

Why This Course Matters

Many chaplains enter trauma ministry with compassion but without protection. Over time, unprocessed exposure can lead to exhaustion, blurred boundaries, emotional overload, or spiritual dryness. This course confronts those realities honestly and provides tools to prevent them.

Chaplaincy: Trauma and Triage – Level 2 helps chaplains remain effective without becoming overwhelmed. It teaches you how to care deeply without carrying what belongs to God, how to recognize when help is needed beyond your role, and how to preserve your health so your calling is not cut short.

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 2 of a three-level Trauma and Triage series

If you are called to serve wounded people for the long haul, Chaplaincy: Trauma and Triage – Level 2 will help you remain grounded, protected, and effective—so healing continues, and your well stays full.