NEXT STEPS IN CHAPLAINCY MINISTRY

Rev. Thomas E Huntley

 

Philosophy is a concept that gives the opportunity to think about the whys and the wherefores that are active in our lives. It comes from the Greek word, philisophia, meaning the love of wisdom. Philosophy is the study of knowledge, or, thinking about thinking.

In my submission paper completing Part I of the Chaplain’s Course (Personal Philosophy of Ministry As a Chaplain) I was able to expand on my thoughts about how chaplaincy should be in my life. I applied the knowledge I had gained through ministry training, life, experiences and the topics from the book The Work Of The Chaplain, to articulate, in writing, my feelings on the influences for, and my role in, chaplaincy service.

NEXT STEPS will focus on the decision to put all the study of knowledge into practical and meaningful work as a chaplain. In policing this is referred to as “it’s time to hit the streets”. In the military it is known as “boots on the ground”.

“The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). In this chapter, Jesus was challenging the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude and behavior of the religious leaders. To Jesus, greatness came in the form of service. He is the example of ultimate service all the way to the cross. Service keeps us aware of others’ needs and to not focus on ourselves. Going forward in chaplaincy I see this verse and its meaning as a focus in every contact I make.

The Work Of The Chaplain has opened my eyes to many things that I had not considered in chaplaincy, although I saw myself as a serving chaplain in many ministerial roles. I’ve seen that chaplaincy is not restricted to kind smiles, solemn prayer and making phone calls.

The Christian Chaplaincy goes well beyond basics of helping people as it is pastoral, prophetic and priestly, even while being non-religious to those who profess no religion.

I understand more fully how the chaplain’s role is to give strength and encouragement to people in crisis. Chaplains primarily approach issues from a faith perspective, that is; “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13)

Throughout my ministry, and not just as a chaplain in specified institutions, I will have to keep a constant watch on myself for patience, confidentiality, privacy and permission. Keeping these will benefit both clients and me.

In my research, I found a mission statement that is dedicated to the chaplain ministry. “To build CARING relationships with the hope of gaining PERMISSION to share the LIFE-CHANGING good news of JESUS CHRIST in a NON-THREATENING manner.”

My vision for caring begins with the understanding that all people are not Bible believing saved Christians and that I have no bias against them, even when their beliefs or conduct conflicts with my own faith and beliefs background. Caring, then, is for all people. Jesus went not only into the temple, but also into the homes of thieves (e.g. the Apostle Matthew).

In any given situation the chaplain has the gift of Time + Talk + Transparency + Trials in order to achieve TRUST. It may only be a very short one-on-one session, or a series of meetings with a client. In all cases I hope (and pray) to see myself taking the time that is given me to understand the need, providing the client time and space to talk as much as he/she sees fit, and being completely transparent indicating I have no hidden agenda, thus allowing my clients to feel at ease with me.

My goal is to be the chaplain who has no personal agenda other than caring for people and having no judgemental assumptions.

In Micah 6:8 we are told “but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with your God”

Of this passage John Wesley wrote:
”To love mercy – To be kind, merciful and compassionate to all, not using severity towards any.
Walk humbly with thy God – Keep up a constant fellowship with God, by humble, holy faith.”

John Wesley’s commentary on this passage speaks directly to the Christian Chaplain. Although I normally try to maintain that conduct in my daily life (and of course have failed from time to time when I am in the world), I have experienced that God Holy Spirit has made it much easier for me to be as John Wesley described when I am actively working in ministry. God fills me with that compassion and, as a volunteer chaplain to seniors, I know He will continue to gift me this compassion.

As an ordained minister I am first held, by my covenant, accountable to God. This accountability is closely monitored by my credentialing ministry, the Evangelical Christian Church in Canada (Christian Disciples), through the offices of the Bishop, the Board of Directors and the Credentialing Committee. As a member of the Board and Vice-Chair of the credentialing committee, I am always conscious of the added responsibility for my own accountability. Beyond representing Jesus Christ and His ambassador (2 Cor 5:20), I also represent The ECCiC(CD) to the public. Any discreditable action or misconduct would bring negative attention first to Jesus Christ, and second to my ministry. I am not willing to risk that negativity.

As a chaplain, I have the added accountability to maintain ethical and moral standards as well as uphold the policies and practices of the institutions and organizations I volunteer with. Thankfully, having a military and police career background, I am confident in my acceptance of accountability and acceptance of constructive criticism from those to whom I report.

Taking the chaplains course is the first step in making the move and going to the field ministering to those in need.

Chaplaincy is ACTION.

Therefore, sitting at home with a chaplain training certificate on the wall does not make a person a chaplain. As a Christian Chaplain, I have the opportunity to minister anywhere and everywhere I go. This is not saying that I would want to abuse this God-given opportunity by becoming a nuisance forcing my faith or help on anyone. Chaplains should be building caring relationships with any person, at any time, and any place, only with the consent of the person or client.

My desire is to always build bridges and avoid the actions that tear them down by using the following criteria;

Bridge Builders: (1) Allow people to see your dependence on God. (2) Allow people to see the real you by being (hanging out) with them. (3) Allow God to work through you.

Bridge Burners (1) Displaying a false image that you have it all together. (2) The attitude of Arrogance that says, “I know it all”. (3) Making an excuse message that says, “I don’t know any non-Christians”.

As the Christian Chaplain ministers to others, it is good to remember that he/she is not living for him/her self anymore but for the one who died for them. (2 Cor 5:15 “and he (Jesus Christ) died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again)

Christian Chaplains are Ambassadors for Christ (2Cor5:20) and cannot look at life and ministry through a world point of view. They cannot discriminate against or chastise non-believers for not acting as if they have been saved by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. As Jesus was patient, so must a Christian chaplain, as Christ’s ambassador, represent Jesus in a way that Jesus Himself would approach people.

Jesus gave strength and encouragement to sinners (as He did with the woman caught in adultery) and as a Christian Chaplain, my role is to give strength and encouragement to people in crisis.

My final thoughts on moving forward are summed up in the Primary Role of a Chaplain and Luke 10:37 from the parable of the Good Samaritan.

THE PRIMARY ROLE OF A CHAPLAIN 
– To connect AUTHENTICALLY with another person
– To HEAR FROM GOD WHAT TO SAY and what NOT to say
– To have the DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE to say what needs to be said or to keep quiet when the need is to keep quiet
– To be available to do ANY OTHER THING GOD WANTS THEM TO DO for the person they are assisting whether is teach, debate, give a hug, hold a hand, pray, read the Bible. God will lead.

Luke 10:37 “ And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise”. 

CHAPLAINCY IS BOTH A GREAT PRIVILEGE FROM GOD

AND A WONDERFUL RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD

 

Rev. Thomas E Huntley
Full Ahead Christian Ministries
Midland, Ontario, Canada
facm1.wix.com/facm