Philosophy of Ministry

By Theresa Trumpie

I found it to be interesting that the Chaplaincy roots go back centuries ago, and they come from a variety of faiths, professions, and ministries to do God’s calling providing care and compassion in their communities and organizations.

Bishop Martin who shared his cloak with a beggar showed a great act of compassion, which is where the name chaplain comes from, the guardian of the Capella. That is one reason why the chaplains of today have to guard the sacred and to share his or her cape out of compassion. 

It’s amazing how the chaplaincy started and through the centuries how it has branched out in today’s societies and work places to include the military, hospitals, businesses, fire dept law enforcement, and many more.                                                                                            

As it is written in Matthew 25:45 Verily I say to you in as much as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me that is Jesus teachings about the value of all people. I really like the paragraph: Matthew’s text speaks to the chaplain of the innate worth of all persons, not just those who agree with their religion, culture, or look like them. Because we are all “created in the image of God” (Gen 1:27) and worthy of compassionate ministry and respect. The book of Matthew is a good book for chaplaincy to resonate with.

While serving twenty years in the military, during the last ten I had a lot of soldiers come to me with a lot of hurt, pain, confusion needing guidance and so much more just needing someone to talk to without judgement. No matter what I was doing I always took time out to listen and give them advice when they asked for it. I knew God had His hand on me when I came up with answers that only He could have put in my mouth. Even after I retired and started working for contractors the soldiers kept coming and some of the contractors too!            

God seems to put me where He wants me to be for his purpose no matter where shopping, hospital visiting, motorcycle riding it doesn’t matter. I always pray and ask for spiritual guidance and that He speak thru me to those whom he would have me to talk to and there’s always someone! Don’t get me wrong I’ve been attacked by satan more so now than when I wasn’t a true Christian’ but the “NAME OF JESUS” as it is written in Proverbs 18:10 is a strong tower; Isaiah 54:17 NO weapon formed against me shall prosper; Eph 6:10- 20 Putting and Keeping on The Whole Armour of God! Now more than ever the Chaplains are being called upon for spiritual, mental, physical support and understanding of this world’s chaos on and off the job. Let us rise like giants take our cloaks and go out with compassion to all the world!