Announcing: Chief of School Chaplains is the National Director of U.S. Family Chaplaincy Network
Unprecedented Spiritual Crisis Demands the Care of School, Civilian and Military Chaplains
The National School Chaplains Association implements the mission of helping others find their spiritual footing; inspired and mentored by Tom Solhjem, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) former Chief of Chaplains U.S. Army.
Through the lens of costly historical sacrifices; new casualties are discovered —not physical, but spiritual. Today’s chaplains must resurrect the neglected foundation and the true mission.
The National School Chaplain Association has a mission to place qualified chaplains in every school with clergy representing the anchor in the storm. Chaplains are trained to train others to discover strength and confidence through faith before the battle comes. Faith is the only comfort in the trenches. Hope for the future comes from the meaning of life.
Critical alert: An unprecedented number of people have lost the meaning of life. Some have lost the value of life and become violent and destructive. Sadly, too many are taking their own life. It’s a failure to find peace.
“…like the nation, the Army wasn’t simply facing a mental health crisis —it was facing an historically unparalleled spiritual crisis. What is often misdiagnosed as a mental health crisis is in fact: “a deep crisis of the spirit and soul.” (Tom Solhjem), Major General USA Ret. / Chair, LUKE Advisory Board in his recent blog Mission, Meaning and the Moral Imperative of Flourishing.
Depression, domestic violence and suicide are the top examples of the war that rages across all socioeconomic spectrums. Who better to bring the previously missing spiritual support, than the battle-trained clergy who have either experienced or witnessed what its like and lived to tell the story. People on the edge, more easily trust and confide in those whom they sense have a real understanding of their pain and know the missing piece to the puzzle.
The battlefield of the mind and soul cannot be wholly conquered without faith-based support. Confusion has clouded love. Chaplains understand the level of battle-readiness required to help all people discover a strong spiritual footing in order to survive, thrive and flourish in any atmosphere.
In Points of Light: Continental Army Chaplains and Civil Relations (Brinsfield, 2024) Expressed that “Practical reasons for assigning chaplains to regiments and later, to brigades included the roles eighteenth-century clergy played in educational, social and moral leadership in civilian and military organizations.”
Civilian and Military Chaplains cannot assume that the flock already possesses the spiritual fortitude and endurance to replace fear with courage. A firm spiritual foundation is the rocket fuel to combat fear. Fear is a demon that clouds the ability to survive.
School Chaplains are trained in threat assessment and crisis prevention. Already on campus, they are available to immediately respond to crises such as Active Shooter and can Stop-The-Bleed and bring peace to chaos. Chaplains assist the first responders and police on arrival, then remain on campus daily, picking up the pieces after the crisis.
Mental health Experts: Discover Spiritually Healthy Evidence Based Outcomes
1) Dr. Lisa Miller, Professor of Psychology and Education, Director of the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University has published more than two hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals and is the bestselling author of the “Spiritual Child” and “The Awakened Brain.” She discovered:
Young adults with a strong sense of spirituality are 80% less likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol
60% less likely to experience major depression
70% less likely to take unnecessary risks
Those healthy outcomes, increase exponentially to 82% when accompanied by a personal faith and belief that is shared in community with others
2) Dr. Harold Koenig, Psychiatrist and faculty at Duke University focuses his clinical practice and research on religion, spirituality, and health. He published over 280 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly professional journal articles, and 60 chapters in professional books. He discovered:
Strong evidence that religious involvement is correlated with better mental health, less depression, substance abuse, suicide, stress-related disorders and dementia.
The School Chaplain Mission, Mirrors the Military & Civilian Chaplain Mission
The goal is to help others find their spiritual footing. Many lack the language to describe what is missing and the religious lingo can sound like a foreign language. The lack of spiritual exposure and nourishment has caused an unparalleled crisis. A dysfunctional and at-risk generation is desperate for the meaning of life!
The mission: Lead mutually effective communication to reveal the heart of the matter and fill the spiritual void. Failure is not an option. If the true mission is unknown, the target will surely be missed!
You’re invited to support the mission: Explore: National School Chaplains Association, Enroll in NSCA Academy
About the Author: Dorothy Kozar is a published author, public speaker and holds a Masters degree from Duke University. Functioning as an editorial writer for National School Chaplain Association (NSCA), she enjoys writing and being a Certified Chaplain after retiring from 32 years as a board certified CRNFA surgical nurse. Ultimately, became self-employed Acute Care Nurse Practitioner providing peri-operative patient care. Then she rounded out her career, as director of the Department of Robotic Surgery. Serving as Legislative Liaison for Operating Room Nurses, led to the passing of a bill in the N.C. House. Met with legislators at D.C. and spoke there at a national nursing convention. Dorothy seeks to be an agent of change in supporting godly standards in schools, culture, local and national government. Likewise, as an ordained minister, a wife, mother and grandmother; her heart is to calibrate, educate and celebrate by demonstrating the freedom; whereby Christ has made us free. Editorial Page Support