Meet Trish

Trish Propson found her way to chaplaincy when she was trying to determine how to build a bridge between the deeply divided sacred and secular areas of her community. As she learned what chaplaincy is and what chaplaincy is not, she dove deeper into this unique area of helping people embrace wellness for mind, body, and spirit during times of crisis.

Trish currently serves as a law enforcement chaplain and has a certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefing. She is licensed and ordained through the International Fellowship of Chaplains (IFOC). She has also received advanced chaplaincy training and is affiliated with the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC). Trish holds a certification in Biblical Counseling from the Biblical Counseling Institute of Southwestern Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling with a cognate in Chaplaincy from Liberty University. She is a member in good standing of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

What does the Bible say about Chaplaincy?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

– Matthew 11:28-30

“…Through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

– Galatians 5:13-14

““Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have received from God.” ”

– 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

– John 13:34

Connect with me by email at:  trish@chaplainresource.org

The Lemon Test

Chaplaincy is protected under the Lemon vs. Kurtzman ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States of America. It is considered a necessary function of government to care for the holistic mind, body, and spirit of its citizenry. Chaplaincy is not a function that forms religion; therefore, it is protected under this law. The Lemon test was formulated by Chief Justice Warren Burger. The court in Lemon v. Kurtzman ruled three requirements for government concerning religion, they are:

1. The government’s action must have a secular legislative purpose. (Such as a Chaplain providing crisis response or humanitarian aid for mind, body, and spirit during times of crisis.)

2. The government’s action must not have the primary effect of either advancing or inhibiting religion. (Such as a Chaplain providing aid to people of all faith backgrounds and refusing to solicit members for a specific religion or faith organization.)

3. The government’s action must not result in an “excessive government entanglement” with religion. (Such as a Chaplain providing temporary crisis response services to people in need of humanitarian aid for mind, body, and spirit outside the confines of a church or faith organization.)

Did you know that there were full time paid Chaplains appointed to the very first Continental Congress in 1737? Chaplains have faithfully served the federal government, all branches of the military, and both houses of congress for over 280 years.