My Chaplain Philosophy

What is my philosophy in ministry?

In all the time I’ve mulled this question over and prayed about how to answer the question “what is my philosophy in ministry? There is one thing in particular the Holy Spirit kept putting on my heart, “to be jesus with skin on.” I am to love others without judgement; wherever they are at. Whether it be the solemn sadness when someone crashes their bike; I am called to be there to comfort both the riders and their families, or sadly if they were to die, to let them know they are not alone. I am called to walk the journey with them for as long as the Holy Spirit shows me I’m to be there, whether a short time and be willing to walk the long haul if that’s what is asked of me, whatever the length of time again let them know they are not alone. My ministry is not to evangelize but to comfort them and pray, even if that prayer is to myself. If I am directly asked I will share what I believe, which is salvation through Jesus, forgiveness of sins and the hope and freedom that comes in accepting Him into their life. While being a chaplain probably will be in sad times; the especially hard times someone is going through, there are times I will get to rejoice with them such as when that downed biker begins to show improvement from their injuries.

Part of my focus in ministry as a motorcycle chaplain, is to be in the places no one else will go and sit and hold the hand of someone no one else will hold and to listen to them, just to be silent, as they speak and actively listen to what they have to say. For many people after a run this is what they need in the moment. At other times this active listening may take shape while having coffee and listening to a woman who is struggling with physical abuse and crying about their fears and insecurities. It may be listening to the parent of a drug addicted child, spouse or friend. There are so many ways to just listen. Being a chaplain isn’t about me, it is all about the person I am ministering to.

To summarize my philosophy of ministry, is to do as Jesus commanded us, “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Kathleen Church