My Philosophy of Chaplain Ministry

By George Velazquez

 

My “Philosophy of Ministry” is best described in book of Romans 15:1-2 (MSG)  Message bible translation of “Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did and I want to follow in His example.

We have all been commissioned to go out and share the gospel of Jesus Christ “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)

I believe that ministry is not about religion but about a 3-fold relationship. A relationship with God (our Father) who loved us so much that He gave us his only son Jesus to live and die for us on a cross. (John 3:16). For He gave us His son Jesus not to condemn us, but to save us and restore us back to himself. (John 3:17). It’s also about a relationship with Jesus (our Savior) who freely gave His life for us and with the Holy Spirit (our Counselor) who advocates for us and reminds us of God’s Word in our daily situations.

As a fellow Christian, our charge is to try to reach as many people as possible in sharing the word of God. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15). By this we are carrying out the command that Jesus gave us when He said: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Throughout my journey, I have encountered many people who are suffering from what is being identified as “church-hurt” and for this reason, will not step foot into another church. This was not the intent when the “church” was first formed as described in the book of Acts 2. So I figured if they won’t go to the church, then we have to find ways to bring the church to them.

I was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic schools my whole life. The majority of my Christian journey has been spent in the church. Although I greatly enjoyed the fellowship and learned a lot, I realized that there was a greater need outside the walls of the church. I must confess that I was intimidated by the thought of ever leaving my comfort zone. But like Paul, I was compelled to venture out of the four walls and find a way to reach the lost.

So I prayed and asked the Lord to help provide me the courage and direction that I was seeking. He answered in many ways by closing doors and opening new ones where He wanted me to go. And of course, He answered. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jerimiah 29:11)

I have been blessed to already be serving as an ordained Senior Chaplain under the I.F.O.C. (International Fellowship of Chaplains) for the past 6 years. As a Chaplain of Hispanic descent, I found the early history of the word Chaplain (el Capellán) very interesting. It’s a reminder of the sacred act of compassion when Bishop Martin shared his cloak (Capella in Latin) with a beggar. So I am honored and humbled to consider myself in any way a “Guardian of the Capella”.

As I studied and learned about Chaplaincy, I realized that it’s an even greater calling as it expands the boundaries as far as we can imagine. As I continued studying Paul’s journey, I read and adopted the following scripture, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Romans 15:20-21

I have been called to be the hands and feet of God to “Be the bible that non-believers will read.” Jesus affirmed it in His word when He said “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:16-17

So I close with this question, “How can I help?”

In faith,
George Velazquez