Unique Aspect of the Chaplaincy #2

Unique Opportunities
To the wise chaplain, there are virtually no limitations to ministry amongst military members and their families. A chaplain is able to live amongst the people he is ministering to, people who are operating on the front lines of life, facing situations most civilians can’t comprehend. A chaplain, being an officer, receives immediate credibility with those he ministers to and is thus able to quickly be seen as a trustworthy source of truth and counsel. The military chaplain is paid to be the one who gets to tell the 18 year old high school drop-out, injured marine serving in Iraq, whose pregnant girlfriend just left him that there is a just and loving God who can forgive his sins and transform his life through the cross of Jesus Christ. I became a Navy chaplain because of the unique opportunities.

Unique Aspect of the Chaplaincy #1

As with anything in life, it is difficult to understand all the different contributors to a decision, but in the next few posts I will try to explore some of the reasons that led my wife and I into this ministry. They all revolve around the uniqueness of chaplaincy.

Reason # 1: Unique Influence
God has placed the United States in an extraordinary position of influence in our modern world. The military sees itself as and in many ways is the guardian of the ideals of our country. If there is a strong Gospel witness amongst the guardians of the core values of the country, that Gospel witness will trickle down. I became a Navy chaplain because of the strong strategic potential for Gospel witness in this land and the world.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

I grew up in the home of a Navy Chaplain but had emerged from my youth somewhat disillusioned with ministry and the military.  Years later, when I discerned a clear call into a lifetime of ministry, military chaplaincy still seemed out of the question.  God had given me a deep passion for the lost of the world and specifically the lost of the inner cities of the world.  During and after attending seminary I was involved with a small church located in the heart of Los Angeles and entered into many years of fruitful ministry in the midst of a large immigrant community.

So how then did I find myself on Jan 3, 2010 on my face, getting screamed at by a senior chief at Officer Development School?  My journey has been a little different than most chaplains, I imagine.  Through this blog I hope to record that journey.  My prayer is that this record can be a valuable resource for others and a means of glorifying my ultimate Commanding Officer, Jesus Christ. 

I would be honored if you would join me on this adventure.