MY PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY 

                              by Samuel E. Horrell

 

While reading and studying the material for this course has really opened my eyes to what a minister/chaplain is and does and also the responsibilities that come with it. One thing is, it’s not about me, it is me being open to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit and doing what He says to do. We are just ordinary people with no supernatural powers (of our own) but in partnership with God.

I see that in the Ministry you are required to wear many hats and even sometimes not a hat at all. What I mean by this is, there are many religions (faiths) and some with no faith or belief at all. I think that as a Chaplain you should educate yourself on the ones you many encounter. Multifaith and those with no faith must be ministered to in the same manner.

 In the book of Matthew he tells us that all people should be treated equally and with dignity. On this journey, we should seek out those in need. As Matthew 25:35-40 states, 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[f] you did it to me.’

 We may see ourselves as not being qualified or unworthy to take on such a role as a minister/chaplain but with the knowledge that I have acquired through this course and being a Blood bought child of God I believe I will be qualified to stand in the gap for my brothers and sisters. As Jesus told His disciples in “The Great Commission” “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

 In the role of Chaplain, what do I do? Answer is simple, whatever is needed of you. This really means a lot to me and kind of says it all. Anything from visiting the sick to mowing someone’s grass. It might be just listening to someone vent or holding the hand of a person that has just lost a loved one. Sometimes just being present and not saying a word can make all the difference in the world. The old U.S. Army slogan was, “Be All You Can Be”. I think that’s a pretty good analogy. Be the person that when other people look at you, they see the image of God.

 Through the study book and watching many videos I realized that I have been the hands and feet of God in many ways. Back through my military days and in civilian life I have worn many of the hats I referred to earlier. I have worked in manufacturing as a blue- and white-collar worker. I have owned my own business, been a state employee, worked in retail, been an EMT/Firefighter. In all these positions, I always had a chance to give a kind word or pray with someone in a bad situation. 

  To me this was Ministry and through God’s grace, love and power I will continue to carry on the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” and show His love to all men. 

Thank You,

Samuel E. Horrell