My Chaplain Philosophy

My entire life I have considered myself a giver, not a taker. I just instinctively did things for people, wanting to help, wanting to bring comfort, wanting to show support. I didn’t think or plan how or why I did these things, it was just the way I was. I have always been the person that was called when something happened, knowing I’d listen, take your side, have some advice or some life experience to draw on to at least give some direction. A few years ago, during a very dark time in my life, I began attending a new church in a new place. The out pouring of love these people gave amazed me. The Catholic church I was raised in was so different. It was quiet and reverent, the only eye contact or physical contact made was during the sign of peace. In the new church everyone walked around and greeted you, some with a handshake, some with a hug. Everyone was genuinely happy to see you there. The songs, the preaching, the feeling was so joyful. I found a new spirit awakening in me. I’d always loved God, felt called and close to Jesus but I’d lost something along the way as life and its demands took over. Suddenly, I was praying, attending Bible Study classes, Sunday afternoon music worship services. I began listening to Christian and Bluegrass gospel music. My mornings were spent in reading, praying, study before my work day began.

During this time, I found the book Purpose Driven Life at a yard sale. I picked it up and put I down 3 times before buying it. The book changed my way of thinking. I’d always thought it was enough that I believed and tried my best to be a good person. Wasn’t I always there for everyone, helping, doing, giving? Surely, I was living the life God intended for me. Then my eyes opened.

We are on this earth, not to just be good people, not just to worship God, but we are here to serve God! Our entire purpose, our reason for being created was to bring glory to God. Not to seek happiness or achieve great things. Not to be important or honored. Not to have a ton of money in the bank or be the most loved person on the planet. Our purpose is to love and serve our God, our Savior. We were created by Him for Him!

We do that by following His commandments, by serving others, by seeking forgiveness, by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. So I began looking into ways to serve. I was surprised and pleased that Chaplaincy was something I could do and started researching this Ministry.

I started the Chaplain program to become Chaplain for my ladies motorcycle group. I had been Sargent of Arms for the group and had never felt comfortable in that role. At our annual meeting in 2018 I wanted to bring up the subject of adding Chaplain to our list of officers and left disappointed in myself that I hadn’t had the nerve to do so. I felt I’d disappointed God, by not wanting to do something that might cause the group to feel uncomfortable, as if I was denying Him and His call. Then in July one of our members was killed in a freak motorcycle accident as she was riding with her husband on their way our west. I took on the role of Chaplain without even realizing it during that difficult time.

In watching the videos and reading the Work of the Chaplain book, I see that being a Chaplain is about serving God by serving others, no matter what religious background or lack of religion others have. I was impressed by the how many different Chaplains there are and the variety of ways they serve. My Philosophy of Ministry is to serve. I believe in serving the needy through the food pantry and city mission I volunteer at.

I loved the “keeping watch” aspect of Chaplaincy. There have been many situations where I wanted to help, but didn’t know what to say or do. Last year we had a tornado hit the nursing home near my home. I went to the local school where the elderly had been moved. I wanted to help, but didn’t know how. I watched the medical personnel doing their jobs. I asked if anyone needed help, or if I could do anything. I walked around to see if there was anything I could see to do. It felt good to be there, but helpless at the same time. I can see now that what I wanted to do was keep watch. I wanted to go to the victims of the tornado and hold a hand, bring some peace and calm to a frightening day. I wanted to comfort, listen, and pray with anyone who needed and wanted that. I wanted be a quiet presence in a crazy day.

My goal is to explore what it means to be a Chaplain and how I can bring God to those who need Him or don’t know Him. I think like most people I equated being a Chaplain with being a Priest or Reverend. I was surprised and pleased to see that this is not a denominational calling. I wouldn’t enjoy only
reaching out to a certain religious group. I know people who say they believe but then argue the existence of God. I know people who believe in the universe, karma, and energies. As true believers I understand that we gather more to Jesus by Godly examples and actions than by preaching. I like that it is not our goal to convert anyone to a certain religion but to bring all to our Father.

As a biker Chaplain, I want to bring God to my ladies with a prayer to start our rides. I want to bring a blessing, a comfort, as we head out into unknown dangers on the road. I want to open the conversation about God, as I’ve had questions from some of the ladies. People aren’t comfortable talking about God, especially if they do not have any religious background and honestly don’t know every much about Him. I want to be the comfortable person they can ask. I don’t profess to know scripture, though I’m on my second reading of the entire Bible. But I know what it says. I know what the “basics” are. If I can answer a question that brings peace or puts someone at ease, or better yet, opens their curious mind to seek answers about God for themselves, then I will feel I have served my purpose on this earth.

These are my Philosophies of Ministry-to serve, to keep watch, to gather, and to open doors. And to do so in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All for the Glory of God!

Mary Hopkins