ALCA Hosts Lay Chaplains Training in Northeastern Conference

The Adventist Lay Chaplains Association (ALCA), led and supported by Joshua Deonarine, Chaplaincy Ministries Director of the Northeastern Conference; Miguel Crespo, President of the New York Conference and Volunteer Chaplaincy Ministries Director for the Atlantic Union Conference; Sherwin and Jennifer Evans, Lay Chaplaincy Coordinators for the Atlantic Union Conference; and instructor Mike Lombardo collaborated to host a transformative Level 1 – Lay Chaplains Training at the Northeastern Conference Headquarters from Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Their united efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to equipping lay leaders with the knowledge, spiritual foundation, and practical skills needed to serve in various chaplaincy roles across the Atlantic Union.

The weekend training event, held in the newly redesigned multipurpose room of the Northeastern Conference (NEC) Headquarters, welcomed dedicated individuals from churches and communities throughout the region. Each participant shared a common goal: to learn how to provide compassionate, emotional, and spiritual support to those in need. Through the leadership and vision of Joshua Deonarine and the collaboration of the Atlantic Union Conference Chaplaincy Association, the weekend provided a well-organized and engaging experience for aspiring lay chaplains.

Throughout the three-day training, attendees took part in a series of interactive workshops, practical exercises, theological discussions, and scenario-based learning simulations. These sessions were designed not only to inform but also to immerse participants in the realities of chaplaincy ministry. The facilitators drew on years of pastoral and chaplaincy experience to provide meaningful, grounded insights into the diverse challenges chaplains often face. Topics covered included crisis intervention, grief counseling, hospital visitation protocols, suicide awareness and prevention, and essential ethical standards. Each topic emphasized the importance of empathy, confidentiality, personal integrity, and Christ-like compassion.

As the training concluded, graduates expressed enthusiasm to apply what they had learned in their local churches, hospitals, community outreach programs, and personal ministries. The successful completion of this Level 1 training marks an important step forward in strengthening chaplaincy services across the Atlantic Union. By investing in the development of lay chaplains, NEC and AUC affirm their commitment to meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of their communities with excellence, compassion, and faith.