Tag Archive: ministry

Dec 10

Chaplain Chris’ curriculum, “Bruised Reeds & Smoldering Wicks” is now bigger and better!

I am pleased to announce that a NEW, 8-week version of the study, “Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks,” is now available. Two additional weeks of materials have been added to address caring for adults who are experiencing trauma and a “where do we go from here?” lesson on implementation and strategic next steps for congregations …

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Sep 09

Intermountain Moment: The secure base of relationship, why it’s essential!

Relationships are of vital importance to our experience as human beings in community with one another. A secure, loving and supportive relationship is the foundation on which we branch out and explore our world… not just as small children, but even as adults! Think of those times when by situation or circumstance you felt compelled …

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Aug 12

Banners beautify Van Orsdel Commons and chapel

We are grateful for the tangible ways that the support from our faith-based supporters and churches can be seen in our new chapel space in Van Orsdel Commons. One of the more obvious examples of this support came in the form of the beautiful banners that came from all around Montana and now adorn the …

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Jul 19

IM Moment: How understanding toxic stress may change your ministry, with Todd Garrison

Most churches and fellowships look for opportunities to impact their communities and the world for the better. They do this through any number of ways: social justice initiatives, mission work at home and overseas, prison ministry, youth outreach, parenting classes, recovery ministries… the list goes on and on. One of the questions I am regularly …

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Jun 13

Intermountain moment: “I love that little tornado!” with ML Rutherford

Parenting a child with emotional disturbance or another mental health issue, being a foster parent, and adopting a child from a trauma background… all of these can seem like living in tornado alley! (view the video and you’ll understand the reference!) I am so thankful for my friendship and partnership in mission with ML Rutherford, …

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May 17

FREE RESOURCE for youth ministers… preparing to discuss 13 Reasons Why, season 2 (Netflix)

NOTE: This is a guest post from Tracie Dahl, LCPC, Middle School Therapist with Intermountain School-based Services (Helena, MT). It has been edited for use in a church setting by Chaplain Chris Haughee.   13 Reasons Why is about to drop its second season on May 18th. Since Season 2 is no longer adapting Jay Asher’s 2007 YA novel and …

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May 15

From Covenant Companion: “Helping Kids Heal,” 5 Minutes with Chris Haughee

Five Minutes with Chris Haughee: Helping Kids Heal covenantcompanion.com/2018/04/16/five-minutes-with-chris-haughee-helping-kids-heal/ By Guest AuthorApril 16, 2018 Chris Haughee is a Covenant chaplain working at Intermountain Residential, an intensive residential program for children who demonstrate behavioral challenges with campuses in Helena and Kalispell, Montana. Chris and his family attend Headwaters Covenant Church in Helena. Who are the children …

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Apr 30

“I stay near the pit” a poem written for the dedication of Van Orsdel Commons and chapel

I stay near the pit (inspired by Rev. Samuel Shoemaker’s poem, “I Stand by the Door,” and Psalm 40) © Chris Haughee, 2018. All rights reserved.   I stay near the pit. My cry was heard and I was lifted from it. And while my feet are steady on the Rock and the path is …

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Apr 19

Intermountain moment: when a child engages in self-harm or other scary behaviors

Cutting. Self-harm. It is a phenomenon much more common (it seems) today than twenty-two years ago when I entered children’s and youth ministry. It’s certainly not uncommon behavior in the emotionally disturbed children that Intermountain works with. That’s why I felt it was important to share a little with you from a conversation I had …

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Mar 26

Becoming a church that welcomes ALL children – an Intermountain Moment

The most crucial and necessary first step to becoming a church that welcomes children with emotional disturbance from past trauma is to adopt an attitude of humility. It’s the humility that asks, “What must have happened to that child?” or “I wonder what I might have done to cause this child to react that way?” …

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