Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplains
In support of our mission and vision, Unity of Phoenix is committed to reaching out in prayer, comfort and support to our congregation. As our ministry continues to grow, our Prayer Chaplains are invaluable in helping to meet the pastoral care needs of our spiritual family. We invite you to prayerfully consider stepping into this powerful area of service for our ministry!
Completing Prayer Chaplain training and serving as a Prayer Chaplain is transformative soul work. It is a unique service that differs from many of our other volunteer opportunities in terms of the level of commitment and responsibilities required.
This is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. Many of our Prayer Chaplains report that they stepped in to serve others, but found that being a Prayer Chaplain blessed and benefitted themselves most of all! It is a role that will help you discover your greatness and the greatness of others … and we will be here to love and support you as you take this next step on your spiritual journey.
What Is a Prayer Chaplain?
The role of our Prayer Chaplains is, quite simply, to pray. Chaplains are not counselors or advice-givers. The core of the Prayer Chaplain commitment is to:
- Hold spiritual space
- Lovingly listen
- Pray from the heart
- Hold in confidence what is shared
How Does Serving as a Unity Prayer Chaplain Differ from a Being Chaplain in a Hospital or Care Facility?
Unlike hospital chaplains, Unity of Phoenix Prayer Chaplains are not ordained and do not counsel people. Prayer Chaplains are trained to do only three things: hold spiritual space, listen and pray.
Prayer Chaplains are not trained to “minister” to the community at large, but are fully prepared as a lay resource to help meet the pastoral care needs within our own Unity community.
Serving as a Prayer Chaplain is a volunteer opportunity for those members who are truly looking to take the next step in the development of their spiritual maturity, and who are willing to make a high level of commitment in their spiritual growth. Prayer Chaplains must make a one-year commitment to fulfill their responsibilities, which include:
- Being available for one-on-one prayer with congregants after four worship services each month.
- Completing two hours each month of proactive “wellness calls” to congregants (inquiring about their well being and inviting them into prayer about anything they wish). These calls must be completed on church grounds.
History of the Prayer Chaplain Program
Rev. Lei Lanni Burt, founder of the Prayer Chaplain program, served as Director of Pastoral Care at Unity of Phoenix from February 1998 through March 2005.
While in ministerial school, Rev. Lei Lanni had a vision of inviting and empowering congregants into spiritual maturity through service and prayer. During her tenure at Unity of Phoenix, she trained over 125 individuals to serve this ministry as Prayer Chaplains!
Today, Lei Lanni continues to take the Chaplain program to ministries around the world. To date, countless individuals have completed the training and serve as Chaplains in over 402 ministries worldwide.