Volunteering and Social Ministry
Evangel Theological University is launching a practically oriented one-year program to prepare leaders and ministers who can act effectively where the need is greatest today: in frontline communities, among military personnel, veterans’ families, people affected by trauma, and people struggling with addictions.
This training is designed for the realities of modern Ukraine—when ministry often means being present in crisis, organizing aid, opening recovery centers, building teams and partnerships, and at the same time maintaining spiritual maturity, safety, and resilience.
Program Vision
To form a generation of ministers who:
- serve close to the frontline, supporting local communities and displaced people;
- launch and develop rehabilitation ministries for people with addictions and “life-controlling issues” in partnership with churches and organizations;
- create recovery centers for military personnel and veterans based in church spaces, chaplaincy initiatives, and social hubs;
- work professionally, ethically, and as a team—and bring the hope of the Gospel where it has almost disappeared.
We are inspired by the best ministry practices of the Assemblies of God USA: chaplaincy tracks and training for ministry in various environments; church-based approaches to recovery and mentoring for people with addictions; humanitarian response and volunteer training for crisis situations; and practices developed within the Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith.
Goal and Purpose
Goal: to prepare (or provide advanced training for) ministers for social ministry and volunteering in wartime conditions.
Program Purpose:
- to provide a clear strategy for ministry in crisis (planning, safety, logistics, partnerships);
- to teach how to build rehabilitation models through churches and social projects;
- to develop skills for initial crisis response, pastoral support, and ongoing care;
- to prepare participants to work with military/veterans through the lens of chaplaincy and spiritual care;
- to raise team leaders capable of launching new centers and ministries.
Who This Program Is For
- ministers and leaders of rehabilitation centers and recovery ministries;
- pastors, deacons, social workers, church volunteers;
- leaders of humanitarian/social initiatives;
- those planning to launch ministries for military personnel and veterans in their city/community.
Format (1 Year)
- modular training (lectures + seminars + case studies from Ukraine and with international instructors)
- supervision and mentoring
- practicum in real ministries (church / hub / rehab center / aid projects)
- final project: a strategy and launch (or strengthening) of a specific ministry in your community
Approximate Courses and Modules
- Theology of Mercy and the Mission of the Church in Wartime
Biblical foundation for social ministry, Christian ethics of helping, ministry as witness.
- Volunteering in Crisis: Organization, Safety, Logistics
Building processes, coordinating teams, working with humanitarian flows, basic response standards (an approach used by humanitarian organizations that regularly train volunteers).
- Crisis Help and a Trauma-Informed Approach
Psychological first aid, stabilization, limits of competence, the “saw—assessed—supported—referred” algorithm.
- Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy
Models of chaplain ministry in different environments (military/hospitals/community)—as an example of systematic training within the AG context.
- Ministry to Military Personnel and Veterans
Communication, family support, support groups, spiritual practices of resilience, working with moral injury (at the level of pastoral care).
- Addiction Recovery and Church-Based Restoration Ministry
The “church as a space of recovery” model: mentoring, small groups, support; overview of partner practices common in Christian recovery programs (including Adult & Teen Challenge, Ready Now Recovery).
- Leadership and Management of Social Projects
Strategy, budget, transparency, resource development, partnerships with communities and international missions.
- Teamwork, Burnout Prevention, and Spiritual Resilience
Ministry rhythm, boundaries, restoration, pastoral hygiene, team support.
- Practicum / Internship
Participation in ministries (frontline aid, rehab center, veteran initiatives, humanitarian hubs) plus supervision.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the program, a graduate:
- has a ready, realistic ministry strategy for their community/city;
- is able to build recovery ministries (addictions / trauma / veterans) through a church or organization;
- knows how to act professionally and safely in crisis conditions;
- has practical experience, contacts, mentoring, and an understanding of how to work “in the field.”
Today Ukraine needs ministers who do not get lost in crisis. This program is about people who are ready to be close to those who have experienced war, loss, trauma, or addiction. We prepare team leaders who can launch rehabilitation initiatives, support military personnel and their families, and bring hope where it is hardest—even near the frontline.
For detailed information, message our ETU Telegram channel: +38 (099) 9-456-999
Or you can fill out the form below.
Enroll in the program
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