Faith-Based Organizations Launch Chaplain Resource Network to Strengthen Chaplains and Others’ Training Worldwide

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The CRN logo is bronze colored and has a compass rose with an oil lamp in front of it.

San Antonio, TX — The Marsh Institute for Chaplains has joined with three faith-based partners to launch the Chaplain Resource Network, a collaborative training hub designed to expand access to high-quality chaplaincy resources worldwide.

The new network brings together the Marsh Institute for Chaplains, Clinical Pastoral Education International, Community Chaplain Network, and Hope Thru Faith Foundation. Together, the organizations are building a shared resource platform to help institutions train and support chaplains wherever they serve.

Chaplains are often called into moments of crisis, grief, trauma, transition, and moral complexity. Yet many organizations seeking to build chaplaincy programs face the same challenge: developing consistent, credible, and practical training materials requiring time, funding, and specialized expertise.

The Chaplain Resource Network (CRN) was created to help meet that need. Forty modules are already developed, with 198 already queued for development. More modules are in the planning stages.

“CRN reimagines the delivery of chaplain resources,” said Dr. Jim Browning, Director of the Marsh Institute for Chaplains. “In a world where organizations often have to build training from scratch, this collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to equip and support chaplains with resources that are academically rigorous, outcomes-based, standards-aligned, and ready for real-world chaplaincy practice. We project to have the CRN store opened by the end of July.”

CRN is being developed as a modular library of chaplaincy training materials for use in certificate programs, continuing education, online courses, workshops, institutional training, and degree pathways. The materials are designed to be adaptable, allowing each participating organization to use the CRN resources in line with its own mission, identity, and standards.

Currently, the CRN library includes 238 lessons in total: 40 complete and 198 in development, with more modules pending approval. The network is designed to support chaplain formation in multiple contexts and to provide resources that can be distributed across formats, channels, and languages.

CAREForce, founded by Master Chaplain Ken Schlenker, has joined the Marsh Institute for Chaplains, bringing decades of experience in public safety, crisis response, and community chaplaincy training into the broader CRN effort.

“For too long, chaplains have entered some of the most demanding ministry contexts without consistent training, accessible resources, or in-the-moment support,” said Ken Schlenker, Director of the Chaplain Resource Network. “We are changing that. This resource means a chaplain in the field is never alone, and an institution building a chaplaincy program never has to start from scratch.”

“Chaplains need training that is credible, practical, and accessible,” said Dr. Dallas E. Speight, Chief Executive Officer of Clinical Pastoral Education International. “CRN strengthens the pipeline from formation to service by enabling high-quality content to be developed once and delivered broadly.”

Dr. Michael Langston, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Thru Faith Foundation, stated, “CRN is a collaborative way to strengthen faithful presence — bringing together theologically grounded resources and field readiness so chaplains can serve with compassion, clarity, and endurance.”

Chaplain Scott Speight, Chief Executive Officer of Community Chaplain Network, said the need is especially urgent for chaplains serving in local communities.

“Community chaplains live on the front edge of crisis, grief, and trauma,” Speight said. “CRN helps place proven resources into the hands of practitioners in ways that are timely, consistent, and missionally grounded.”

The Chaplain Resource Network is preparing for broader institutional access, strategic alliances, and continued curriculum development.

To learn more, visit www.marshinstitute.org or www.ChaplainResourceNetwork.com.

About the Chaplain Resource Network

The Chaplain Resource Network is a collaborative initiative of faith-based organizations working to provide scalable, high-quality training content for chaplains worldwide. CRN develops and distributes modular, field-ready resources designed to support chaplain formation, education, and professional practice across diverse settings.

Location: San Antonio, TX, USA

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