Michael Rundle
Kingston,ON
Summary
Adept at fostering diversity and inclusion, I spearheaded outreach programs at the Canadian Armed Forces, enhancing cadet connections and mentoring chaplains for growth. My expertise in crisis management and spiritual guidance has been pivotal in developing resilient communities. Achievements include leading the chaplain team at RMC, selected and successfully completed Post Graduate Training focusing on diversity and inclusion within the CAF, regularly teaching and training other chaplains to lead sentinel peer support training, successfully completed Second Language French Training at CFB Kingston, Deployed with the Royal Canadian Navy, led reintegration briefing in Barcelona (2018) and Budapest(2019) with Joint Task Force X, developed and implemented 2 Wing's Ethics Plan, and led Canadian Military Personnel Chaplain Division training on inclusion and diversity within the CAF and the need for development within the Royal Canadian Chaplaincy Service.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
RMC Senior Chaplain
Canadian Armed Forces
Kingston, ON
07.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded the development of innovative outreach programs and initiatives that fostered deeper connections among cadets and staff at RMC.
- Mentored junior chaplains, contributing to their professional growth and development within the organization.
- Promoted diversity and inclusive actions within the institution, ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable and minority cadets and members were heard and respected.
- Delivered spiritual counseling daily to meet the needs of the cadets and staff at RMC and ensure they received the support and care needed in emergency and non-emergency situations.
CFB Kingston, 2IC and Acting Senior Chaplain
Canadian Armed Forces
Kingston, ON
04.2016 - 08.2020
- Designed workshops on various topics including marriage enrichment, stress management, and resiliency to empower congregants with essential life skills.
- Collaborated with leadership teams to create strategic plans and initiatives for overall organizational growth and success.
- Facilitated interfaith dialogue events, promoting understanding and respect among diverse religious communities.
- Evaluated and updated organizational policies and procedures to ensure alignment with current SOPs, encouraging a renewed focus on equality and inclusion initiatives.
- Mentored new chaplains to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing compassionate spiritual care.
- Acting as Senior Chaplain for a period of over four consecutive months, while serving on a regular basis in this acting role during periods of leave or temporary duty assignments by the CFB Kingston, senior chaplain.
- Advised Chains of Commands, serving between nine different units and responsibilities during this time period, on ethical matters, compassionate situations, and religious/spiritual accommodation requests.
Unit Chaplain, 2 Wing, CFB Bagotville
Canadian Armed Forces
Bagotville, QC
08.2014 - 03.2016
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care as the first chaplain appointed to 2 Wing, high readiness unit for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
- Served as the Wing Ethics Adviser, and develop and produced the first Wing Ethics plan that is still in effect currently.
- Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual, mental and physical needs.
- Developed relationships with patients and families, resulting in increased trust and rapport during difficult times.
- Worked in a bilingual unit positioned in a predominately French community, as a unilingual english speaking chaplain. This lead to opportunities to take french SLT courses, and to push beyond established comfort levels to develop and strengthen skills and abilities that aided in communicating with others, often in times of crisis or severe stress.
Fleet Chaplain, CFB Halifax
Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to CAF members, family members and supervisors.
- Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs.
- Deployed as sole chaplain on three separate ships, over two operations for a period of six months jointly. I cared for all CAF members aboard HMCS ships deployed to the Caribbean Sea primarily on a mission of illegal drug intervention and natural disaster assistance.
- Organized and led religious services for diverse groups within the community, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
- Assisted military personnel coping with trauma by providing spiritual support during deployment transitions.
- Provided compassionate pastoral care in emergency situations, delivery of Next of Kin notification, and addressing the spiritual needs of members, DND employees, and families experiencing acute distress or trauma.
Lead Minister, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church In Canada
Hanover, ON
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Recruited volunteers for various church programs, cultivating a strong sense of belonging among participants through service opportunities.
- Enhanced congregation involvement by implementing engaging and relevant sermon topics.
- Led fundraising initiatives for various church projects, successfully meeting financial goals each year.
- Encouraged congregation members to explore their spiritual gifts and utilize them in service of the church community, promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Volunteered in leadership role in local community outreach and meal program, connecting with all members of the community regardless of faith
Education
SLT Training Year Long Training [French] -
CFB Kingston Garrison Language School
Kingston, ON07.2023
Master of Arts - Diversity And Inclusion, And Non-Religion in CAF
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON09.2022
Master of Divinity - Religion And Culture
Montreal School of Theology
Montreal, QC04.2009
Bachelor of Theology - Classical, Near Eastern, And Religious Studies
McGill University
Montreal, QC04.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology
Saint Thomas University
Fredericton, NB04.2006
Skills
- Diversity and Inclusion Subject Matter Expert
- Meditation Instruction
- Religious/Spiritual/Non-Religion research
- Effective Communication
- Mental health awareness
- Data Entry
- Spiritual Guidance
- Records Management
- Records Maintenance
- Materials Preparation
- Community Service
- Teaching
- Preaching
- Officiating
- Public Speaking
- Crisis Intervention
- Spiritual instruction
- Crisis Management
- Individual Counseling
- Spiritual care
- Spiritual leadership
- Pastoral Care
- Grief support
- Ethical guidance
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Timeline
RMC Senior Chaplain
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2023 - Current
CFB Kingston, 2IC and Acting Senior Chaplain
Canadian Armed Forces
04.2016 - 08.2020
Unit Chaplain, 2 Wing, CFB Bagotville
Canadian Armed Forces
08.2014 - 03.2016
Fleet Chaplain, CFB Halifax
Canadian Armed Forces
07.2012 - 07.2014
Lead Minister, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church In Canada
08.2009 - 06.2012
SLT Training Year Long Training [French] -
CFB Kingston Garrison Language School
Master of Arts - Diversity And Inclusion, And Non-Religion in CAF
University of Ottawa
Master of Divinity - Religion And Culture
Montreal School of Theology
Bachelor of Theology - Classical, Near Eastern, And Religious Studies
McGill University
Bachelor of Arts - Cognitive Psychology
Saint Thomas University