Laughlin Chapel hosts workshop with local clergy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Chaplain Corps will be hosting a day-long workshop for local clergy June 14 at the chapel here.

The Laughlin Clergy Day is designed to introduce religious leaders from Del Rio to Laughlin's Chaplain Corps and the base's mission.

"It's about taking care of the spiritual health of the base and learning what is available, what people need and reaching out to meet those needs," said Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Nierman, 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain.

The event's four training sessions will teach clergy how to support Team XL during contingency operations, such as emergencies and manning issues in the base's Chaplain Corps, and help to build stronger working relationships between Laughlin and Del Rio's places of worship, said Nierman.

"The workshops are about religious accommodation, building bonds and ensuring we are working with the community, not competing," Nierman said.

Funded through the chapel's tithes and offerings fund, the expected 30 pastors, rabbis and chaplains will begin the day with a breakfast followed by opening remarks from Col. Tom Murphy, 47th FTW commander, before moving into the day's training sessions.

The first session will cover the expression of faith on military installations and describe the local clergy's role in aiding the base in times of need.

The second session includes a tour of the 47th Operations Group followed by discussions on the strengths and weaknesses within the area's religious communities, learning about what ministries offer in the area and how everyone can support each other.

The afternoon's sessions will include training on pastoral care and counseling and a mini workshop on the styles of worship followed by the clergy praying together before leaving.

"All in all, the day is a time of renewal and teambuilding, bringing Laughlin and its neighbors together in worship," Nierman said.

The attending clergy agree and look forward to this and other chances for both parties to work together.

"I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the pastoral community to learn of Laughlin's mission, see their work and the great things they do," said Chaplain Marvin Wood, Val Verde Regional Medical Center director of pastoral care.