Public Safety Chaplaincy Training Program
New Public Safety Chaplaincy Training Program
SCLEAP is preparing to launch a new Public Safety Chaplaincy Training Program (Fire + EMS + Law Enforcement)
The training begins in January of 2025. The program is built around classroom sessions from 10:00 am on Friday mornings until 4:00 pm on Saturday afternoons once per month. This format will reduce chaplain’s time away from family and work and reduce the costs of on-campus meals and housing.
SCLEAP is currently moving into the final three months of their current cohort of chaplaincy candidates. The current cohort began in June 2023 and will wrap up in December 2024. This certification program is a partnership between Lenoir Rhyne University, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and The South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program.
Who should apply for this training program: This training is designed for a person serving as a full-time, part-time or volunteer chaplain in a public safety agency. It is also for persons who aspire to serve in such a position. This includes (but is not limited to) local clergy/spiritual care providers, students, retirees and persons identified by their command staff as an authorized agency chaplain.
The cost of the training program: If a public safety chaplain candidate is a resident of South Carolina, there is no course fee for the training. However, there will be one night of lodging per month at a local hotel ($121.00/night – includes breakfast), approximately $200 in book expenses and transportation. Candidates are welcome to commute if this is more convenient. Persons from outside of South Carolina must pay a course fee of $1350.
Online/Synchronus Training: This 18 month training program is offered in a virtual/synchronous format, allowing students who cannot be present in the classroom to still receive credit for taking the class. This will also allow chaplains all across the nation to have access to this program. The same fee structure applies. South Carolina Public Safety Chaplaincy Candidates: no charge for course fee. Out of State Public Safety Chaplaincy Candidates: $1350
Submit applications by November 15, 2024. Course fees are not due until a candidate has been accepted into the program and made a commitment to enroll in this training program. Contact Chaplain Eric J. Skidmore, eskidmore@sled.sc.gov, with any questions.
See relevant material below:
Application: PSC-LTSS Cohort 4 Jan 2025-June 2026 final- public-safety-chaplaincy-application
Schedule: Public Safety Chaplaincy Cohort 4 – final Certification Schedule 18 months 2025-26.docx third draft